GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026
Customs Cargo Declaration
A Customs Cargo Declaration is the formal document by which an importer, exporter, or licensed customs broker notifies the competent customs authority of a shipment and submits it for clearance.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/union-customs-code_en
Category
Logistics concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
116
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
A Customs Cargo Declaration is the formal document by which an importer, exporter, or licensed customs broker notifies the competent customs authority of a shipment and submits it for clearance. Required data includes commodity description, quantity, weight, Harmonized System (HS) code, customs value, and country of origin. Customs authorities use this information to assess applicable import duties, apply trade policy measures, and conduct automated risk profiling of the consignment. In the EU and most major trading nations, declarations are filed electronically, typically before or immediately upon arrival of the goods. It should not be confused with the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), which serves pre-arrival safety and security screening only and does not constitute full customs clearance.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.