Customs clearance is the process that is required to record the export or import of goods as they exit or enter a country. It involves the calculation of VAT and duties that are due on the goods in question, and there is a specific procedure that must be followed for both export and import. All goods that are shipped internationally must pass through customs clearance before being released at the destination country. This includes all goods that are sent by sea, land, or air, and once passed, customs documents are provided that confirm all duties and taxes have been paid, and the goods can continue on to their final destination.

The importance of customs clearance to Irish businesses

Customs clearance is a vital part of the process for any business that either imports items from other countries and/or exports goods abroad. There are specific customs clearance documents that must be included for both import and export, ensuring that there is a smooth process. Failure to fully prepare customs clearance documentation can lead to the delay in your goods leaving or arriving in the country.

Is there a difference between import and export customs clearance?

To release goods that have been imported, a customs agent must pay any duties, VAT, or excise duty that is due on the goods. For export, all goods must be accurately declared prior to leaving the country. There are various types of documentation that relate to imported goods and exported goods, even including some documentation and licenses that are specific to certain industries and/or countries. For instance, the way in which Ireland and Great Britain trade goods since Brexit has meant a challenging complexity that has been addressed in recent years. Below we will go into the specific for both importing and exporting goods for Irish businesses.

Import Customs Clearance Process

The process of clearing customs for imported goods is as follows:

  • First, check if the goods you are importing are permitted in Ireland.
  • Declare your goods through a customs declaration (Made electronically using the Automated Import System (AIS) and which accompanies all regulated goods).
  • If your goods contain components that are from various countries, you need to list the country/countries of origin.
  • Include your import license to demonstrate you are legally allowed to bring certain goods into Ireland.
  • Ensure that the exact amount due in duties and taxes is paid upfront to speed up the process of customs clearance.

Export Customs Clearance Process

The following documents are required to export goods:

  • An export declaration must be submitted to the customs authorities before the goods leave the country.
  • Commercial invoices with clear description and valuation of goods.
  • Consignment notes outlining number of items and weight of goods.
  • Packing list depending on the country your goods are being sent to.
  • An export license to prove you can ship goods abroad.
  • Certificate of origin stating where the goods were produced, manufactured, or processed (required when exporting goods to Great Britain).

Common Customs Challenges and How to Overcome Them

There are a few common challenges that are faced by businesses relating to customs clearance whether you are importing or exporting goods in and out of Ireland. With the help of a specialist customs clearance service there are ways to overcome these challenges.

Incorrect documentation

Some delays for goods at the border are due to an incorrect or incomplete customs declaration. Ensuring accurate documentation is present from the outset is vital to expedite the customs clearance process.

Incorrect valuation

The wrong information listed about the goods, specifically the value of the goods, can lead to the incorrect duties. This can mean that there is a higher value required in duties before the goods are released by customs.

Post-Brexit trade with Great Britain

In terms of a specific challenge for Irish businesses, there have been complications with importing and exporting between Irish and Great Britain in a post-Brexit world. This has been complicated further by the introduction of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) in the UK and the Automated Import System (AIS) in Ireland. This has changed how goods must be declared and reported on both sides of the border.

All of the above challenges can be smoothed out with the use of a specialist customs broker such as Emerald Freight. We have experience in dealing with customs clearance issues successfully when importing and exporting goods on behalf of our clients, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date, and that all duties, VAT, and tariffs due are fully paid up in advance of the customs process. This ensures that there is a much lower chance of delays in the release of goods, helping your business to be reliable in delivery of goods and to receive imported goods in a timely fashion.

How a Freight Forwarder Can Help with Customs Clearance

Emerald Freight is an expert freight forwarder service. By partnering with us for your imports and exports as an Irish business we can take care of all the necessary paperwork and compliance. This gives you complete peace of mind that the customs clearance process is as smooth as possible, making the delivery or receipt of your goods as fast as possible for international shipments by both sea freight and air freight. Connect with us for a reliable way to help your international business pass customs clearance processes in a simple manner every time.