Documents required to clear goods from customs

by Tekle Sebhatu

Question:

Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me which documents I have to present to customs to get my shipment through. Thanks

Answer:

Because national laws vary, customs document requirements also vary from country to a country when clearing goods through customs. An importer in the US, for example, is required to present the following documents to clear goods through customs:

• Commercial Invoice/Customs Pro Forma Invoice (When Commercial Invoice is not available)
• Entry (CF3461)/Entry Summary (CF 7501) ( U.S. Customs forms)
• Evidence to make Entry (Bill of Lading or Airway Bill or Carrier Certificate)
• Packing list
• Other agency requirements (Example, FDA, FTC or other agencies to meet the agency's requirement)

Certainly, other countries might require totally different types of documents. Therefore, you need to find out from your government's customs or your custom brokers the types of documents required to clear your goods. Custom brokers are agents who are authorized to conduct customs transactions.