# Customs clearance

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Unlike the mere preparation of customs documents, customs clearance is the formal administrative act by which a customs authority examines incoming or outgoing goods and authorises their onward movement.

Unlike the mere preparation of customs documents, customs clearance is the formal administrative act by which a customs authority examines incoming or outgoing goods and authorises their onward movement. The importer or freight forwarder submits the required paperwork – commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, and where applicable a certificate of origin. Customs officials then verify quantities, commodity descriptions, and declared values, assess applicable duties and taxes, and may order a physical inspection based on risk profiling. Goods may not leave the customs zone until full clearance has been granted and all charges settled. Processing times range from a few hours to several days depending on jurisdiction, commodity type, and shipment complexity. Customs clearance should not be confused with a customs declaration, which refers only to the formal filing step; clearance encompasses the entire procedure through to final release.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_clearance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_clearance)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs clearance |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 139 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_clearance |

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