Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is when goods are released for free circulation. Customs duty needs to be paid to the state as soon as the goods cross a customs border. All goods that cross a border–whether it is an import, a transit or an export–need to be sent through customs clearance.

The customs amount is based on the customs tariff, in which the customs rates for different groups of goods are set out. These are generally based on the value of the goods, but, in some countries, on the weight. In the individual countries, there are different rules, documentation and methods for customs clearance. Exceptions for customs duty exist between countries that have concluded a free-trade agreement and thus agreed to waive customs duties.

Many transport service providers who carry out transports globally take over the entire customs and document handling as an additional service for the corresponding transport upon request. For the sender, this means significant time and cost savings, since many regulations need to be adhered to. Resulting errors can lead not only to delays, but also to subsequent payments and criminal proceedings.

The all-in-one software solution CarLo inAIR&SEA is used in air and sea freight management. The fully integrated customs module supports users during the entry of all customs data and, if necessary, offers a connection to external customs providers and much more.