Customs clearance is the process by which goods are formally declared to customs authorities, duties and taxes are assessed and paid, and the goods are released for import or export, including any food safety or phytosanitary checks required for food and agri products.
In trade practice
For frozen food and agri imports into the EU from Ukraine, customs clearance involves lodging an import declaration, presenting the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and any required phytosanitary or organic certificates, and paying applicable duties. Customs authorities may conduct documentary checks, identity checks or physical and laboratory checks depending on the product and its risk classification. Delays most commonly arise from document inconsistencies, missing certificates or products selected for enhanced border control under EU food safety legislation. Using a licensed customs broker familiar with food and agri commodity codes reduces the risk of errors and delays.
In a specification
Supply contracts should allocate responsibility for customs clearance costs and procedures clearly, typically by reference to the applicable Incoterms rule, and should specify which party bears the cost of any additional checks or laboratory testing ordered by customs.