Common Customs Clearance Problems in International Shipping
Customs clearance is a critical step in international trade. Goods need to undergo document verification, tax calculation, and compliance checks to meet local laws and regulations in both the exporting and importing countries.
In actual operations, we have received many customer feedbacks about situations where goods were detained at customs. Most of the problems stem from the absence of customs clearance documents or inaccurate declaration information. These issues often result in clearance delays, inspections, or even cargo being held at customs.
In worst cases, shipments may be returned — causing missed delivery deadlines and disrupting your business.
Many small and medium-sized importers don’t have their own import licenses at the destination.
As a result, they have to rely on third-party agents — often facing unexpected duties, hidden charges, and inconsistent service, which makes the entire clearance process unpredictable and risky.
Customs Clearance with Full Compliance Control
As an import and export AEO customs broker, GWT’s experienced customs clearance team is familiar with the complex policies of China and Central and South America. Before the declaration, we accurately classify the products with the correct HS codes to ensure the accuracy of the declaration elements. All documents are reviewed by the compliance document specialist before submission, ensuring that the detailed content and language of the documents comply with the requirements of customs, thereby reducing customs clearance delays and penalties.
GWT offers the Import of Record (IOR) solution to meet the import needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. We provide import license services through our close links with Central and South America. Let us handle all the complicated customs clearance procedures for you, and you can also enjoy transparent and competitive prices.
End-to-End Customs Clearance Solutions
From AEO-certified brokerage and inspection handling to documentation and pre-clearance support — we manage every step to ensure smooth and compliant clearance.
GWT has two AEO customs brokerage companies. We use our own proprietary customs declaration system, which seamlessly integrates with your company’s data, enabling self-importation and rapid clearance.
Our agency’s inspection specialists are responsible for on-site coordination to make sure that the inspection is completed promptly, thereby reducing customs clearance and freight delays.
Simply provide GWT with the basic details of your goods. After we assess the feasibility, we will prepare the import and export documents for you.
We streamline the customs clearance process by conducting thorough document reviews and simplifying tax calculations, thereby facilitating the release of your goods.
A Clear 6-Step Customs Clearance Process You Can Rely On
Before shipment, classify the product codes and verify compliance with the destination country’s regulations, import eligibility, and any special certification requirements.
CIPL (commercial invoice, packing list), Bill of Lading/Air Bill, original certificate of origin (if required), and other relevant certificates. Complete documents are the guarantee for a smooth customs clearance process.
Complete the necessary documents in advance, input them into the customs system, and prepare for the declaration of the goods.
Submit the relevant documents to the customs for declaration. The customs system will review them. If an inspection is required, you will need to go to the customs site to participate in the cargo inspection process.
Calculate and settle import duties, value-added tax, and other taxes based on the specific destinations.
The customs issues a release document. After the goods are picked up, they are loaded onto a truck for the final delivery.
Customs Clearance Expertise for Central & South America
- We offer you an accurate calculation of destination port duties and taxes.
- The HS codes for products sent to Central and South America are evaluated by the GWT team to determine if customs clearance can be completed.
- GWT provides import license support to address the concerns of small buyers who do not have import qualifications.
- With 22 years of experience in customs clearance services, GWT simplifies the import customs clearance process for Central and South American traders and reduces customs clearance risks.
In our real operations, Customs clearance process usually involves document review, customs declaration, duty calculation,local tax payment, possible inspections, and final release.
When you work with GWT, we take care of the entire customs clearance process for you — making sure everything is handled properly so your cargo can move without unnecessary delays.
For Chinese export customs clearance, the required documents include packing list, invoice, sales contract, customs declaration form, and other certifications (depending on the type of goods).
The customs clearance documents for the destination port will be provided according to the customs requirements. The main documents include packing list, invoice, ocean bill of lading, air waybill, and origin certificate.
GWT offers a pre-review service for your customs documents, helping you reduce customs clearance delays and penalties caused by incorrect or missing paperwork.
Here is a general formula for calculating customs duties:
Duties = CIF Value × Duty Rate
Remark:
CIF Value = Cost of goods + Freight + Insurance
Duty Rate is based on the HS code and the destination country.
In many Central and South American countries, additional consumption taxes and local taxes may apply. That’s why we provide a clear estimate of the tax costs on our quotation, allowing you to understand the total expenses.
