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Common Customs Clearance Problems in International Shipping
Customs clearance is a critical step in international trade. Your goods need to undergo document verification, tax calculation, and compliance checks to meet local laws and regulations in both the exporting and importing countries.
You may have experienced customs delays. 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.
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.
Core Capabilities Behind Reliable Customs Clearance
From AEO-certified brokerage and inspection handling to documentation and pre-clearance support,we manage every step to ensure smooth and compliant clearance for your shipment.
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.
Clear Customs Clearance Process You Can Rely On
We help you classify the correct HS codes and verify import eligibility, destination regulations, and any required certifications to reduce compliance risks.
You provide the basic shipment details, and we prepare all required customs documents to help ensure accurate declarations and smooth customs clearance.
We carefully review every document to ensure the information is complete, accurate, and consistent, helping you reduce customs delays caused by documentation errors.
We submit your shipment information to the customs declaration system in advance and complete the necessary preparations before the official declaration.
We submit accurate customs declarations on your behalf, helping reduce declaration errors and keep your shipment moving smoothly.
If your shipment is selected for inspection, we coordinate the entire process and work closely with customs officers to complete it as quickly as possible.
We help you calculate and settle import duties, VAT, and other applicable taxes according to the destination country’s customs regulations.
Once customs releases your shipment, we arrange the final delivery, helping your goods reach their destination as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Customs Expertise Across Latin America
Latin American customs regulations vary significantly by country. Import duties, tax structures, documentation requirements, and import qualifications can affect your clearance process.
Brazil: Complex tax structure requires accurate HS classification and duty planning.
Mexico: Importer information and compliance requirements must be prepared before declaration.
Peru：Cargo value and product classification are important factors during customs review.
Argentina：Changing import regulations require careful document and compliance checks.
No Import License? We Can Help
If you do not have your own import qualifications in the destination country, you may have to rely on third-party agents — often facing unclear pricing, unexpected costs, and inconsistent service, making your customs clearance process more unpredictable and risky.
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.
Avoid the Most Common Customs Clearance Mistakes
- Customs Requirements by Destination
- Documents Required for Customs Clearance
- Common Customs Risks & How GWT Helps
| Destination | Main Taxes | Certificate of Origin | GWT Support |
| Brazil | II, IPI, PIS/COFINS, ICMS | May reduce duties for eligible goods | HS Code Review, IOR, Customs Brokerage |
| Mexico | Import Duty, IVA | Required for some products | Customs Declaration, Duty Estimation. |
| Chile | Import Duty, VAT | Accepted for eligible goods | Documentation Review |
| Peru | Import Duty, VAT | Required for some products | Compliance Review |
| Colombia | Import Duty, VAT | Required for certain goods | Import Compliance |
| Argentina | Import Duty, VAT, Local Taxes | Depends on product | Import License Support |
| Panama | Import Duty, ITBMS | Depends on shipment | Customs Clearance & Regional Distribution |
| Document | Export Clearance | Import Clearance | Remarks |
| Commercial Invoice | ✓ | ✓ | Required for all shipments |
| Packing List | ✓ | ✓ | Required |
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | ✓ | ✓ | Required |
| Customs Declaration Form | ✓ | Depends on destination | Prepared by customs broker |
| Certificate of Origin | Optional | Depends on destination | May reduce import duties |
| Import License | — | Required for some countries and products | Depends on destination regulations |
| Product Certificates | Optional | Required for specific products | Batteries, food, medical devices, etc. |
| Insurance Certificate | Optional | Optional | Recommended for high-value cargo |
Our customs specialists review every document before submission to help reduce customs delays caused by missing or incorrect paperwork.
| Common Issue | Possible Result | How GWT Helps |
| Incorrect HS Code | Higher duties, penalties, customs inspection | Product classification review before declaration |
| Missing Documents | Customs delays or cargo hold | Complete documentation preparation and review |
| Incorrect Cargo Value | Customs reassessment or fines | Declaration verification by experienced customs specialists |
| Missing Import License | Customs clearance failure | IOR and import license support |
| Product Compliance Issues | Goods rejected or returned | Compliance review before shipment |
| Customs Inspection | Delivery delays | On-site inspection coordination |
Most customs delays can be prevented through proper preparation before shipment.
Customs clearance is the process of submitting required documents to customs, completing the necessary checks, and paying duties and taxes so that the cargo can be released.
In our real operations, this usually involves document review, customs declaration, duty calculation, possible inspections, and final release.
When you work with GWT, we take care of the entire 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.
Most customs clearance takes 1–5 business days after customs receives all required documents. The actual time depends on the destination country, cargo type, and whether customs selects the shipment for inspection.
- Missing documents
- Wrong HS Code
- Incorrect cargo value
- Import license issues
- Customs inspection
Our pre-clearance review helps identify these issues before shipment.
