# Customs clearance costs

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Customs clearance costs arise when goods pass through customs: they comprise all duties and charges an importer or exporter must pay to clear a shipment.

Customs clearance costs arise when goods pass through customs: they comprise all duties and charges an importer or exporter must pay to clear a shipment. The main components are customs duties – calculated from the HS code, customs value, and country of origin – import VAT, and fees charged by customs brokers or freight forwarders acting as customs representatives. Brokers consistently distinguish between statutory duties, fixed by tariff law and non-negotiable, and their own service fees. Total costs vary considerably depending on commodity type, country of origin, applicable preferential trade agreements, and the complexity of the declaration. Pre-shipment cost estimates based on tariff rulings and proof of origin help avoid billing surprises.

**Source:** [https://www.logistikwissen.de/glossar/verzollungskosten](https://www.logistikwissen.de/glossar/verzollungskosten)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs clearance costs |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 112 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.logistikwissen.de/glossar/verzollungskosten |

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