# Customs Pre-Declaration Processing

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and shippers submit customs pre-declarations electronically before goods physically reach the border, giving authorities advance notice to validate tariff classifications, check declared values, and run risk assessments.

Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and shippers submit customs pre-declarations electronically before goods physically reach the border, giving authorities advance notice to validate tariff classifications, check declared values, and run risk assessments. Resolving discrepancies at this stage – rather than at the port gate – significantly reduces dwell times and the risk of cargo holds. Pre-declaration is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions: the EU Union Customs Code mandates it, and the US enforces equivalent advance filing through the Automated Manifest System (AMS). It should not be confused with the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), which serves a distinct security-screening function rather than a full tariff and duty assessment. In practice, forwarders must ensure all commercial documents and commodity codes are ready well ahead of a shipment's arrival.

**Source:** [https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/union-customs-code_en](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/union-customs-code_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Customs Pre-Declaration Processing |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 126 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/union-customs-code_en |

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