# Customs clearance

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Freight forwarders and customs brokers initiate customs clearance as soon as a shipment reaches the border or destination port.

Freight forwarders and customs brokers initiate customs clearance as soon as a shipment reaches the border or destination port. The process covers submitting the required documents – commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin where applicable –, declaring the customs value, calculating and paying import duties, and verifying compliance with non-tariff requirements such as import restrictions or licensing obligations. Only after official release can goods enter free circulation or be placed under a customs procedure such as warehousing or transit. Delays most commonly stem from missing or incorrect paperwork, which is why experienced customs brokers pre-check documents before the shipment arrives. Customs clearance should not be confused with the customs declaration alone – the declaration is just one step within the broader procedure.

**Source:** [https://www.wcoomd.org](https://www.wcoomd.org)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs clearance |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 123 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.wcoomd.org |

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