# proof of customs clearance

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Unlike a customs declaration, which initiates the clearance process, proof of customs clearance is the official confirmation – issued by the customs authority or a licensed freight forwarder – that a shipment has been released after all formalities were completed.

Unlike a customs declaration, which initiates the clearance process, proof of customs clearance is the official confirmation – issued by the customs authority or a licensed freight forwarder – that a shipment has been released after all formalities were completed. It documents that duties and taxes have been settled and that regulatory checks have passed. Exporters rely on it to substantiate VAT exemptions; importers need it for compliant bookkeeping and insurance claims. In day-to-day forwarding, the document is routinely requested before final invoicing or when resolving cargo disputes. Not to be confused with the customs entry itself: that document requests clearance, whereas proof of customs clearance confirms it has been granted.

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

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | proof of customs clearance |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 111 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/Abfertigungsnachweis |

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