GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026
Electronic Bills of Entry
A freight forwarder preparing customs clearance no longer submits a paper form—instead, a structured electronic data record is filed with the customs authority: the electronic bill of entry.
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Source: https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/trade_facilitation/import/export/electronic_data_interchange/electronic_bills_of_entry/index.html
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Definition & Explanation
A freight forwarder preparing customs clearance no longer submits a paper form—instead, a structured electronic data record is filed with the customs authority: the electronic bill of entry. It captures the cargo description, quantity, weight, HS code, and declared customs value as a minimum. The customs system processes the filing automatically: duties and taxes are assessed, risk screening is run, and the shipment is either released or flagged for physical inspection. Direct integration with port, carrier, and terminal systems cuts clearance times significantly and eliminates much of the manual data entry that causes errors in paper-based workflows. Most customs administrations now require electronic filing as standard practice. The electronic bill of entry is distinct from the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), which is lodged before arrival solely for security screening purposes.
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