What is Customs Clearance?
"Customs clearance is the process by which a country's customs authority reviews and approves an incoming shipment. Every package crossing an international border must go through this process — there are no exceptions."
How the Process Works
When your shipment arrives in the destination country, customs authorities assess:
Whether the goods are permitted (not restricted or prohibited)
The correct duty and tax amounts owed
Whether documentation is complete and accurate
Whether the declared value matches the actual value
Common Reasons for Delays
Most customs delays are avoidable. The top causes include:
Incomplete documentation — Missing invoice, packing list, or permits
Undervaluation — Declaring a lower value than the actual purchase price
Prohibited items — Certain goods are banned or require special licenses
Random inspections — Customs agencies conduct random physical checks
How to Minimise Clearance Time
Working with an experienced freight forwarder like Bombino Express means your paperwork is correct before the shipment departs. Our customs team has 30+ years of experience navigating Indian and international customs regulations. We pre-file documentation wherever possible to accelerate clearance.
Duties and Taxes
Import duties are calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Tax rates vary by country and commodity type. When you ship with Bombino, we provide duty estimates upfront so there are no surprises for your customer.
Written by
Bombino Express Team
