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Customs is a government authority responsible for regulating the movement of goods across a country's border. Customs clearance is the process of obtaining permission from customs to export goods from a country. It is an important part of the export process, and it is important for exporters to understand the role of customs and the customs clearance process.

The role of customs in exporting

Customs plays a number of important roles in exporting, including:

1. Ensuring compliance with export regulations: Exporters must comply with a variety of export regulations, such as those governing export licenses, tariffs, and customs duties. Customs is responsible for ensuring that exporters comply with these regulations and that they are not exporting prohibited or restricted goods.

2. Protecting national security: Customs also plays a role in protecting national security by preventing the export of goods that could be used for military or terrorist purposes. For example, customs may inspect shipments for weapons, explosives, and other dangerous materials.

3. Preventing the spread of disease and pests: Customs also works to prevent the spread of disease and pests by inspecting shipments for agricultural products and other goods that could carry harmful pathogens.

4. Facilitating trade: Customs can also play a role in facilitating trade by streamlining inspection procedures and reducing delays at the border. This can help to make exporting more efficient and less costly for businesses.

The customs clearance process

The customs clearance process typically involves the following steps:

1. Prepare the necessary documentation: Exporters must prepare a number of documents for customs clearance, such as an export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, and export license (if required).

2. Submit the documentation to customs: Exporters must submit the required documentation to customs electronically or personally.

3. Pay any applicable duties and taxes: Exporters may be required to pay duties and taxes on their exports. The amount of duty and tax payable depends on the type of goods being exported and the destination country.

4. Have the goods inspected: Customs may inspect the goods to ensure that they comply with export regulations.

5. Obtain clearance to export: Once customs has verified that the documentation is complete and that the goods comply with export regulations, they will issue a clearance to export.

Tips for exporters

Here are some tips for exporters to help them with the customs clearance process:

1. Be prepared: Exporters should make sure that they have all of the necessary documentation prepared before submitting it to customs.

2. Be accurate: All of the information on the customs documentation must be accurate and complete.

3. Be cooperative: Exporters should be cooperative with customs officials and provide them with any information or assistance that they need.

4. Know the export regulations: Exporters should be familiar with the export regulations that apply to their products. This will help them to ensure that their shipments are in compliance.

Benefits of a well-functioning customs system

A well-functioning customs system can provide a number of benefits for exporters, including:

1. Reduced delays: A well-functioning customs system can help to reduce delays at the border, which can make exporting more efficient and less costly for businesses.

2. Increased predictability: A well-functioning customs system can provide exporters with more predictability, which can help them to better plan their shipments and operations.

3. Reduced risk: A well-functioning customs system can help to reduce the risk of exporters being fined or penalized for non-compliance with export regulations.

Customs and customs clearance play an important role in the export process. By understanding the role of customs and the customs clearance process, exporters can help to ensure that their shipments are processed smoothly and efficiently.

References:

https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/introduction-customs-controls_en

https://www.wcoomd.org/Topics/Facilitation/Instrument%20and%20Tools/Conventions/pf_revised_kyoto_conv/Kyoto_New

https://worldcustomsjournal.org/Archives/Volume%2014%2C%20Number%201%20%28Apr%202020%29/1897%2001%20WCJ%20v14n1%20Antov.pdf

https://www.definebusinessterms.com/customs-control/

https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/customs-control

https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/customs-clearance/

This publication was prepared by USAID’s Trade Central Asia activity, as a part of the Export Ecosystem Development Initiative in cooperation with the Orient Information Portal.

Photo: customs.gov.tm