GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026

Import Certificate

Customs authorities and designated control bodies issue an import certificate to confirm, for a specific consignment, that the goods concerned meet all applicable import requirements of the receiving country.

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Last updated: 24 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/import-certificate.html

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Definition & Explanation

Customs authorities and designated control bodies issue an import certificate to confirm, for a specific consignment, that the goods concerned meet all applicable import requirements of the receiving country. The document is typically required for controlled or sensitive product categories such as weapons, chemicals, agricultural commodities, or species protected under CITES. It evidences compliance with quotas, quality standards, or safety regulations and is often a mandatory condition for customs release. Without a valid certificate, shipments risk rejection, seizure, or significant border delays. An import certificate should not be confused with an import licence: the licence grants the right to import in advance, whereas the certificate attests that the applicable conditions have actually been met for a given shipment.

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