Who can clear customs?
Asked by: Freddy Waelchi | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (39 votes)
Customs brokers have specialist knowledge of the local customs rules, regulations, and requirements, so using their expertise can help to avoid errors and ensure goods clear customs easily and efficiently.
Can anyone do customs clearance?
You can make and submit an import declaration yourself or through a logistics partner, but this process can be complicated.
Who performs customs clearance?
To import any commodity into Kenya, an importer will have to enlist the services of a clearing agent who will process the import documentation through Kenya Customs electronically on the Simba 2005 system and clear the goods on behalf of the importers.
Who has to clear customs?
Shipments arriving in a foreign country must “clear customs” to comply with the regulations and requirements of that country. It is a critical step in the international shipment process, allowing goods to legally enter or exit a country and ensuring all customs regulations and obligations are met.
How do I get clear customs?
- Signed invoice.
- Packing list.
- Bill of Lading or Delivery Order/Airway Bill.
- GATT declaration form duly filled in.
- Importers/CHA's declaration.
- License wherever necessary.
- Letter of Credit/Bank Draft/wherever necessary.
- Insurance document.
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Which countries can you clear US customs?
CBP has officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg in Canada.
Can I clear customs myself?
If no arrangements were made to forward the goods to your door, you will need to either clear them through CBP yourself, in which case you will pay duty directly to CBP at the port where your goods arrived. Alternatively, you will need to arrange for a broker to clear your goods.
What happens if you don't clear customs?
In cases where the package cannot clear customs due to severe issues, it might be returned to the sender. This is especially likely if prohibited items are involved or if the recipient refuses to pay the necessary duties. In extreme cases, customs may seize goods permanently.
What items require customs clearance?
Shipments over $2,500 must undergo a formal entry process with CBP, requiring a customs bond and a detailed clearance process. Shipments valued between $800 and $2,500 generally have a simpler clearance process. A customs bond may still be required for certain goods; requirements vary.
Who does customs clearance?
Customs clearance is typically the responsibility of the customs authorities in the country of import or export. These authorities are responsible for ensuring that all goods entering or leaving the country comply with applicable laws and regulations.
What is the customs clearance fee?
These fees cover the customs broker's expenses for paying duties, taxes, and other fees on behalf of the importer. They can range from $15 to $50, and sometimes include special handling charges or interest if the broker advances the funds.
Who is a customs clearing agent?
Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders will assist you with the necessary customs transactions. A Freight Forwarder will arrange for your goods to be transported from one country to another while a Clearing Agent will make sure that your goods are cleared with customs.
How do I complete customs clearance?
- A customs officer examines your customs paperwork. ...
- Import duties and taxes are assessed using the customs paperwork. ...
- Customs requests payment for taxes and duties, if applicable. ...
- Your shipment clears customs once all duties are paid.
How do I get custom clearance in USA?
- Paperwork Verification. A customs officer verifies that the paperwork completed for shipments are correct. ...
- Customs Officer Check. A customs officer will see what fees may be applied to a shipment. ...
- Payments, Tax, Duties. ...
- Release of Shipment.
Can FedEx do customs clearance?
For import shipments, FedEx will provide you standard customs clearance at no extra charge. But there are times when your shipment has special clearance needs, especially when additional processing is required by a regulatory agency or when you or your importer request special processing from a FedEx customs broker.
Do I need a customs clearance agent?
However, if your company is shipping in bulk across multiple geographies, you're strongly advised to seek the support of a customs broker. A customs broker can help you avoid errors and navigate trade complexities.
What items Cannot go through customs?
- Absinthe (Alcohol) ...
- Alcoholic Beverages. ...
- Automobiles. ...
- Biological Materials. ...
- Ceramic Tableware. ...
- Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property. ...
- Defense Articles or Items with Military or Proliferation Applications. ...
- Dog and Cat Fur.
What do I need to clear customs?
- All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. ...
- Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
- A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.
What are the three 3 main documents required for import customs clearance?
Imports must have the following documentation: Invoice (unless a commercial sample under $25 in value) Ocean bill of lading, inland bill of lading, through bill of lading, air waybill (air cargo) Proof of insurance.
Can you self clear customs?
If you decide not to use a customs broker you will be required to 'self-clear' and account for your imported goods in person with the CBSA at the local office (port of entry) before your goods can be released and delivered or picked up. For more details, please visit the CBSA website: Step-by-step guide to importing.
What gets you stopped at customs?
Generally, customs officers may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the United States, and they may search people's belongings for contraband. This is true even if there is nothing suspicious about you or your luggage.
Does USPS clear customs?
The Postal Service then sends packages to U.S. Customs for examination and assessment of any duties and taxes owed. Customs processing is required for all parcels, including those sent from overseas military postal facilities (APOs and FPOs).
Is 1 hour enough to clear customs?
The recommended layover time for international flights is generally longer, as you will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding your next flight. In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or very short, layover.
Is there a way to skip customs?
Apply for Global Entry
Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you'll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you'll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.
Do I really need a customs broker?
There is no legal requirement for you to hire a Customs Broker to clear your goods. However, many importers opt to do so for the convenience. Customs Brokers are licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct CBP business on behalf of importers.