Customs clearance is the preparation and submission of documents required to export or import products into the country. This process represents the client during customs examinations, assessments, duty payments and delivery from customs after clearance. Every port in every country puts cargo through a customs clearance process. Depending on the country and the circumstance, these are the documents required to clear customs:

1. Export documentation

   1. Purchase order from buyer

   2. Sales invoice

   3. Packing list

   4. Shipping Bill

   5. Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill

   6. Certificate of Origin

2. Import documentation:

   1. Purchase order from buyer

   2. Sales invoice

   3. Bill of entry

   4. Packing list

   5. Shipping Bill

   6. Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill

   7. Certificate of Origin

It is really important for shippers who are importing and exporting goods to have someone who specializes in customs clearance because customs rules, regulations and laws are different from country to country and sometimes even are different at different ports within a country.

When shipping internationally it is important to make sure all documentation is accurate and complete and that you properly load your shipping container. If either of these are not executed properly it could lead to shipping delays as well as additional fees.