What Clearing and Forwarding Means
When goods arrive in a country, they must be cleared by customs before you can collect them. Customs check what the goods are and what they are worth, and any duties and taxes must be paid.
Clearing is getting your goods through that process. Forwarding is moving them on to where they need to go. We do both, so you get your goods without the stress.
How We Help
- Prepare and coordinate all the documents customs need
- Submit the customs declaration for your goods
- Explain the duties, taxes and other charges before you pay
- Follow up with customs until your goods are released
- Arrange delivery or storage once they are cleared
- Look into any customs clearance or invoicing problem and help put it right
Documents You’ll Usually Need
- Commercial invoice and customs invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or waybill (air)
- Supplier statement
- Any permits or certificates required for your goods
Not sure what you have? Send us what you’ve got and we will tell you what is missing. More on our shipment documentation page.
Duties and Charges
Duties and taxes depend on what the goods are, their value, where they come from, and the rates in force at the time. Port, shipping line and storage charges may also apply. Because every shipment is different, we don’t publish rates here — we work them out for your goods and explain them clearly.
Customs decisions and duty rates are set by the authorities. We handle the process for you, but the final assessment is made by customs.
For Exporters
Exporting goods? We prepare your export documents and keep up to date with export incentives, so you can keep your costs as low as possible.
Importing a Vehicle?
We help clients import and clear vehicles. To see the kinds of charges involved, look at our example invoice for a Mini Cooper Coupe 2013 from May 24th, 2020. It is a past example, not a current quote.
See the example invoice
Every charge on a past vehicle import, line by line.
View the Mini Cooper ExampleAsk about your vehicle
Send us the make, model, year and where it is shipping from.
Make a Vehicle Import EnquiryClearing FAQs
How long does customs clearance take?
It depends on the goods, the documents and whether customs decide to inspect. Complete, correct documents are the best way to avoid delays.
How much duty will I pay?
It depends on the type of goods, their value, their origin and the current rates. Send us your shipment details and we will work it out for you.
What other charges might there be?
Shipping line, port and storage charges, as well as documentation and service charges. Port storage charges grow the longer goods wait, so it pays to start clearing early.
How do I get started?
Fill in our quote form with Clearing & Forwarding selected, and tell us what the goods are, where they are coming from and when they arrive.
