Custom Clearance Procedure & Role of Clearing Agents

Custom clearance process involves preparing and then submitting documents which can facilitate export or import. The laws related to custom clearance differ in each country and it also varies from one port to the other. The custom clearance procedure checks against illegal import and ensure that proper taxes are levied against the import and export of the goods. Importer and exporters should have a valid IEC code (Importer-exporter code) for clearance of goods.

Categories of Import Goods

•    Freely importable goods are goods which can be imported freely under open general license
•    Restricted/ licensed imports require a license
•    Prohibited items cannot be imported from other countries

Categories of Export Goods

•    Freely exportable goods can be freely exported under open general license
•    Negative list of exports include goods which cannot be exported to other countries
•    Restricted/ licensed export are goods which require a license for export

Filing of documents is either done by the agent or the importer. The shipment has to be tracked to ensure timely arrival or else demurrage charges have to be paid to the import handling authority. The essential documents required are bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice, Freight certificate, Cargo Arrival Notice, purchase order or LC and other specific documents.

Step by Step Process in Export Clearance
•    The export of the cargo from the factory is informed to the export officials
•    An empty container is sent to the factory from the container yard for loading
•    The container is filled in the presence of an excise official
•    The export documents are kept ready
•    The container is loaded , sealed and then sent to the port
•    The documents for custom clearance are filed at the gateway port
•    The container then moves for vessel loading

Role of custom clearing agents

A company that is involved in imports and exports requires the service of a third party namely a custom clearance agent. They are also known as carrying or forwarding agents. Approval and coordination with the regulatory agencies is facilitated by the custom clearance agent. The clearance agent has an understanding of custom rules and ensures compliance with the same. They make sure that the consignment gets cleared within the stipulated time and no demurrage is incurred. They also have responsibilities prior to custom clearance such as gathering documents that need to be submitted from the importer and preparing the custom documents that have to be filed for clearance process. They prepare the bill of entry which is the main document based on which custom approves clearance. It is important to have the right custom clearance agent because warehousing and storage fees increase if the process is not handled smoothly.

Import Custom Clearing Services by Fast Clearing & Forwarding Agency

Import custom clearance can be a daunting procedure if the client hires clients who are not well versed with the procedure. At Fast Clearing and Forwarding Agency we provide our clients with staff who are well experience in the field of custom clearing and air and ocean freight services. The procedure consists of discharging cargo followed by the legal procedures required for some of the cargo. It is then followed by import declaration after which examination and inspection by the authorities. Payment is done and the import permit is obtained. Post this ordeal, the shipment is warehoused and delivered as per the client’s needs. This procedure can be tricky if not handled well and our firm with our astute services in the field of custom clearing and forwarding provide our clients with the best services in the business. 

We provide our best in class air and sea freight forwarding services in the regions of Delhi/NCR and Mumbai thus covering the business capitals of India. Along with these services with the procedure; our firm makes sure the process is seamless by making sure we provide allied services too like consulting, warehousing and door to door delivery. We also help out our clients with all the documentation and legal procedures making sure FCFA is a one stop solution for the clients. We have an avid knowledge of all the categories like – Freely Importable Items, Prohibited Items, Restricted/Licensed imports and canalized imports. 

At our firm, we believe that the procedure should be explained to the clients beforehand and best consultation and service application strategies should be planned out to make sure our 26 years of experience in the industry are put to good use. We also provide export custom clearing and forwarding services which follows a similar procedure but the legalities and examinations are stricter in nature. In the area of export as well, we make sure the process is completed till delivery. Our staffs consists of experienced members along with top of the tree custom house agents thus making sure there is never any compromise in the services provided by the firm.