# Customs Document

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> A customs document is an official record—paper or electronic—submitted to customs authorities at a border crossing as the basis for goods declaration, tariff classification, and clearance.

A customs document is an official record—paper or electronic—submitted to customs authorities at a border crossing as the basis for goods declaration, tariff classification, and clearance. It establishes the origin, description, quantity, and value of a shipment and demonstrates compliance with applicable trade and export control regulations. The most common examples include the customs declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Errors or omissions routinely cause clearance delays and may result in fines or cargo seizure. Unlike transport documents such as the bill of lading—which primarily govern the contractual relationship between shipper and carrier—customs documents are addressed to government authorities and carry direct legal consequences under customs law.

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

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs Document |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 110 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_document |

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