GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
customs payment
Once a shipment crosses the border and customs has determined the dutiable value and the applicable tariff rate, a customs payment falls due—goods are released into free circulation only after the obligation is settled.
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Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/customs-duty
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Definition & Explanation
Once a shipment crosses the border and customs has determined the dutiable value and the applicable tariff rate, a customs payment falls due—goods are released into free circulation only after the obligation is settled. Beyond the actual customs duty, the payment typically covers import VAT, excise duties where applicable, and any special levies such as anti-dumping or countervailing duties. In day-to-day freight forwarding, the customs broker or agent usually advances the payment on behalf of the importer and recharges it; deferred payment accounts or duty credit lines are common instruments for this purpose. Late payment triggers interest charges and can stall the supply chain, making timely funding a key element of any import cost calculation.
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