GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Customs clearance
Unlike the mere preparation of customs documents, customs clearance is the formal administrative act by which a customs authority examines incoming or outgoing goods and authorises their onward movement.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_clearance
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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system
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Definition & Explanation
Unlike the mere preparation of customs documents, customs clearance is the formal administrative act by which a customs authority examines incoming or outgoing goods and authorises their onward movement. The importer or freight forwarder submits the required paperwork – commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, and where applicable a certificate of origin. Customs officials then verify quantities, commodity descriptions, and declared values, assess applicable duties and taxes, and may order a physical inspection based on risk profiling. Goods may not leave the customs zone until full clearance has been granted and all charges settled. Processing times range from a few hours to several days depending on jurisdiction, commodity type, and shipment complexity. Customs clearance should not be confused with a customs declaration, which refers only to the formal filing step; clearance encompasses the entire procedure through to final release.
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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system
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