# duty to declare

*Last updated: 2026-06-19*

> Freight forwarders, importers, and carriers bear the duty to declare: they are required to notify the relevant authorities of cross-border cargo movements before or at the time goods cross a frontier.

Freight forwarders, importers, and carriers bear the duty to declare: they are required to notify the relevant authorities of cross-border cargo movements before or at the time goods cross a frontier. In practice, this covers customs declarations, hazardous goods notifications, transit filings, entry and exit summary declarations, and any other mandatory notifications under national or international law. The precise form, deadlines, and competent authorities depend on commodity type, country of origin and destination, and the applicable regulatory framework. Non-compliance can result in fines, cargo seizure, or criminal prosecution. The duty to declare is therefore a strict, enforceable legal obligation—distinct from the voluntary disclosure of information as part of good commercial practice.

**Source:** [https://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/Anzeigeobliegenheit](https://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/Anzeigeobliegenheit)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | duty to declare |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 111 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-19 |
| Source | https://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/Anzeigeobliegenheit |

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