# customs clearance process

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A shipment arrives at the border: before goods can enter free circulation, the importer or their customs broker must lodge a formal customs entry stating the commodity description, country of origin, declared value, and HS tariff classification.

A shipment arrives at the border: before goods can enter free circulation, the importer or their customs broker must lodge a formal customs entry stating the commodity description, country of origin, declared value, and HS tariff classification. Customs officers assess the documentation, calculate import duties and applicable taxes, and determine whether a physical examination is warranted. Release is granted only once duties are paid or secured, authorising the onward movement of the goods. Straightforward consignments with complete paperwork can clear within hours; incomplete declarations, trade compliance checks, or physical inspections may extend the process to several days. Unlike transit procedures — where goods merely pass through a customs territory — the import clearance process concludes with a binding customs decision and a definitive duty assessment.

**Source:** [https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/customs-clearance.asp](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/customs-clearance.asp)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | customs clearance process |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 125 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/customs-clearance.asp |

## Related Pages

* [Akhalkalaki Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/akhalkalaki-airport-441)
* [Ati Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/ati-airport-atv)
* [Bichevaya Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bichevaya-airport-3491)
* [Ekimchan Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/ekimchan-airport-9567)
* [El Litral Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/el-litral-airport-4754)

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/customs-clearance-process-4](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/customs-clearance-process-4)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/customs-clearance-process-4](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/customs-clearance-process-4)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/customs-clearance-process-4/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/customs-clearance-process-4/llm-summary?lang=en)*