# Customs Clearance Procedures

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> A shipment has arrived at the border — but before it can move on, customs clearance procedures must be completed in full.

A shipment has arrived at the border — but before it can move on, customs clearance procedures must be completed in full. The process opens with pre-lodgement: the commercial invoice, packing list, and any required supporting documents such as certificates of origin or import licences must be submitted to customs, often before the goods physically reach the frontier. Officers verify the documentation, may order a physical examination of the goods, and determine the applicable duties, import taxes, and other charges. Only once payment has been made — or, for authorised consignees, booked against an approved duty deferment account — does the customs office issue the release. Until that point, the shipment is legally detained and cannot be transported onward or put to use. Customs clearance procedures are therefore the legal prerequisite for any cross-border movement of goods, not merely an administrative formality.

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

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs Clearance Procedures |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 142 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_clearance |

## Related Pages

* [Bameza - Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bameza-grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam-airport-2506)
* [Midway Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/midway-airport-21368)

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/customs-clearance-procedures-3](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/customs-clearance-procedures-3)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/customs-clearance-procedures-3](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/customs-clearance-procedures-3)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/customs-clearance-procedures-3/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/customs-clearance-procedures-3/llm-summary?lang=en)*