GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

Licensed Inland Clearance Depot (ICD) Standards

Customs authorities and transport ministries set binding operational standards for Inland Clearance Depots (ICDs) that determine who may run such inland terminals and under what conditions.

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Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: http://www.wcoomd.org/Topics/Facilitation/Resources/Tools/Inland-Clearance-Depots-(ICDs).aspx

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Definition & Explanation

Customs authorities and transport ministries set binding operational standards for Inland Clearance Depots (ICDs) that determine who may run such inland terminals and under what conditions. An ICD is an officially authorised inland facility where importers and exporters can complete customs formalities, store goods and transship containers away from congested seaports. The standards cover operator qualifications – including technical competence and financial capacity – required infrastructure such as secured storage areas, weighing equipment and inspection zones, as well as on-site customs supervision procedures. For freight forwarders and shippers, ICDs offer a tangible operational advantage: they reduce port congestion, lower inland transport costs and bring customs services closer to production or distribution centres. Not to be confused with Licensed ICD Operations, which describe the day-to-day running of such a depot once authorised.