Have you ever ordered something online from an international retailer like AliExpress and tracked your package only to see the status update “Parcel has cleared export customs”? This mysterious message is common when importing goods, but what does it actually mean? Clearing customs is an important part of the international shipping process, but it can be confusing. This article will explain everything you need to know about customs clearance for your international purchases.
What is Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance refers to the process of submitting documentation and clearing regulatory requirements to allow goods to enter or exit a country. All imported shipments are required to go through customs clearance in the destination country before being released and delivered. Clearing customs allows the parcel to properly enter the country by paying any applicable duties and taxes. This involves processing and validating documents like commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo manifests. Customs officers also inspect shipments to verify contents, assess duties, and enforce regulations. The customs clearance process is mandatory for all imported commercial goods.
Why Does Customs Clearance Matter for My Package?
Going through customs is not just a formality – it’s required by law for any goods entering a country’s borders. As the importer, you are responsible for ensuring your shipment properly clears customs to avoid fines or even seizure of goods. The carrier can transport your parcel to the destination country, but they cannot preemptively clear customs on your behalf. Having your shipment flagged in customs not only delays delivery, it can cause logistical headaches and extra fees. Properly clearing customs is crucial for on-time delivery of any international purchases you make.
How Long Does Customs Clearance Take?
The time it takes to clear customs can vary greatly depending on factors like:
- Country’s customs agency and import regulations
- Type of goods being imported
- Final destination
- Value and quantity of goods
- Accuracy of customs paperwork
For some shipments, customs clearance can take less than 24 hours. But for many packages, it takes several days to over a week to fully process depending on those factors. Shipments can be flagged for additional customs checks if any required information is missing, which further delays clearance. Contact the courier if your package has been stuck in customs for an unusually long time.
What Does “Parcel Has Cleared Export Customs” Mean?
This message means your shipment has cleared the export customs process in the origin country where the parcel began its international journey. This verification is required before the package can legally be exported. Clearing export customs confirms the correct tariffs were paid and export regulations were followed.
Your parcel must then go through the import customs process once it arrives in the destination country. Cleared export customs” does not mean your shipment has fully cleared customs yet – import customs clearance still needs to happen before final delivery. So don’t expect the parcel to immediately arrive after this status update. Though it’s a good sign, your package still needs to undergo inspection and import customs clearance in your country.
Who Handles Customs Clearance for My Package?
There are two main ways customs clearance happens:
Using a Customs Broker
Importers can hire a licensed customs brokerage firm to handle clearing customs on their behalf. These brokers are experts on import regulations and act as your representative. They submit forms, pay duties and taxes, coordinate inspections, and resolve any issues to expedite customs clearance. Hiring a broker simplifies the process but comes with brokerage fees.
Self-Clearing Customs
The importer can choose to handle the customs process themselves directly without a broker. This involves learning import regulations, submitting your own paperwork, paying duties & taxes, and liaising with customs during the verification process. Self-clearing avoids broker fees but requires understanding the clearance process.
For most consumer shipments like your AliExpress purchases, the shipping carrier or destination country’s postal service will initiate customs clearance on your behalf. Couriers like DHL have brokers to help clear shipments. USPS coordinates clearance for many packages mailed to the US. But as importer, it’s ultimately your responsibility to provide any required paperwork and pay applicable customs fees when notified.
What Does Customs Clearance Involve for My Parcel?
While the process has variations between countries, customs clearance for imported goods typically involves:
- Providing a detailed commercial invoice with information like contents, value, and origin of goods. This helps categorize shipments and determine any taxes/duties owed.
- Paying applicable import duties and taxes depending on type of goods, value, and import country’s tariff schedule. Rates vary but expect to pay if parcel value exceeds the import exemption threshold.
- Coding imported items properly under the Harmonized System (HS) of tariff codes which categorizes every type of good. HS codes determine duty rates.
- Declaring country of origin where goods were produced to assess any special trade rules.
- Providing additional certificates like a Certificate of Origin for certain types of imports.
- Listing the Importer of Record who is liable for the shipment. Typically this is the buyer for consumer goods.
- Going through customs inspection if required, which can include opening parcels or taking samples. This checks for prohibited items or accuracy of declared contents.
- Paying any additional fees applied during the customs clearance process to release shipment.
- Meeting all labeling standards and import licensing requirements
The exact steps vary by country, value of goods, shipping carrier, and what is being imported. Customs brokers or the postal service can guide you through the specifics for your situation.
What Happens if My Parcel Is Flagged in Customs?
If issues arise during the customs verification process, your shipment may get flagged for further inspection. This could happen for reasons like:
- Missing or incomplete trade documentation. Most commonly, the commercial invoice is missing key details needed to clear customs.
- Inaccurate product codes (HS codes) making tariff classification difficult
- Problems verifying country of origin or other product details
- Failure to pay import duties and taxes
- Import licensing requirements not met for restricted goods
- Suspicion shipments contents differ from declared paperwork
A customs hold can delay your shipment for days or even weeks. You may have to provide additional documentation or pay further duties if goods were misclassified. If suspicions of customs fraud like mislabeled contents cannot be resolved, your parcel may be returned and your privileges to import could be revoked. A customs broker can help troubleshoot any flagged shipments and resolve issues with customs officials directly to prevent shipment delay or seizure.
Key Takeaways on Customs Clearance
Clearing customs is crucial for timely delivery and legal import of international purchases. Key points to remember:
- All commercial shipments must undergo customs clearance in the destination country before final delivery.
- “Parcel cleared export customs” means it exited originating country but still needs import customs clearance.
- Time through customs varies by factors like destination country, goods type, and customs paperwork accuracy.
- Imports can be cleared directly by importer or via licensed customs brokerage firms.
- Failure to properly clear customs leads to delayed or seized shipments and penalties.
While customs clearance may seem mysterious and intimidating, following regulations helps imports smoothly reach you. Being aware of the process and potential duties owed makes international ordering easier.
