The customs clearance process turns an arriving shipment into goods you can legally use or sell. The bill of entry is the central customs declaration in most countries.
Clearance steps
- Pre-arrival — Importer shares invoice/BL data with CHA; import license obtained if required.
- Arrival — Carrier files manifest; goods available for customs.
- Filing — Bill of entry submitted in customs portal with supporting scans (e-Sanchit in India).
- Assessment — System or officer assigns duty, flags examination if risk triggers.
- Examination — Physical or document check if selected.
- Payment — Duty, taxes, and fees paid or guaranteed.
- Out of charge — Customs releases the declaration; port issues delivery order.
- Delivery — Trucking from port, CFS, or bonded warehouse to importer.
Documents checklist
Full list: documentation checklist topic. Minimum set: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading / AWB, insurance (if applicable), certificates of origin or compliance.
Who is involved
- Importer of record — legally responsible for compliance
- Customs broker / CHA — files and coordinates with port
- Freight forwarder — transport and CFS handling
- Customs authority — assessment, examination, release
Common delays
- HS code or valuation disputes
- Missing import license or certificate
- Manifest mismatch vs invoice quantity
- Pending duty payment or shipping line charges
Fix procedures: amendments · rejected filings
Prepare your import documentation
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