# Customs credit

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Importers with high and regular duty volumes apply for a customs credit facility to defer payment of duties, import VAT, and other entry charges beyond the standard clearance date, within a period approved by the customs authority.

Importers with high and regular duty volumes apply for a customs credit facility to defer payment of duties, import VAT, and other entry charges beyond the standard clearance date, within a period approved by the customs authority. The arrangement is typically secured by a bank guarantee or equivalent financial security, protecting the authority against default. For the importing business, it functions as a liquidity buffer: large duty amounts do not need to be funded on the exact day of clearance. Terms and deadlines are governed by national customs legislation rather than commercial lending conditions. Not to be confused with a deferment of the customs declaration itself.

**Source:** [https://www.zoll.de](https://www.zoll.de)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs credit |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 106 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.zoll.de |

---

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

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

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