Customs Clearance Services & Documentation

Customs clearance is the official process by which a shipment is authorized to enter or leave a country by the relevant government authority. It involves submitting required documentation — such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and export declarations — so that customs officials can assess duties, verify compliance with import/export regulations, and formally release the goods for delivery.

"Customs cleared" means that a shipment has passed through the customs inspection process and has been officially authorized to enter the destination country. All required documents have been reviewed, applicable duties and taxes have been assessed or paid, and the goods are legally permitted to proceed to their final delivery address. At this point, the carrier takes over for last-mile delivery.

Common export documents include a Commercial Invoice (describing goods, value, and parties involved), a Packing List, an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing for shipments over $2,500, and potentially a Certificate of Origin, Pro Forma Invoice, or commodity-specific licenses depending on the destination country and type of goods. ShipMate+ prepares and verifies all required documentation on your behalf.

Customs clearance times vary by country, shipment type, and completeness of documentation. Many routine international shipments are cleared within 1–3 business days. However, shipments with incomplete paperwork, restricted commodities, or randomly selected for inspection may take longer. Accurate documentation prepared upfront — which ShipMate+ specializes in — significantly reduces the risk of clearance delays.

A shipment held at customs typically means the documentation is incomplete, duties are unpaid, or the goods are flagged for inspection. Customs authorities will issue a notice requiring additional information or payment. Working with a knowledgeable shipper like ShipMate+ minimizes this risk by ensuring all forms are accurate and complete before the shipment ever leaves the counter.

Responsibility for customs duties and taxes depends on the agreed trade terms (Incoterms) between the buyer and seller. Under DAP or DDU terms, the recipient pays import duties upon arrival. Under DDP terms, the sender covers all costs. ShipMate+ advises clients on applicable duties and helps determine the correct shipping terms to align with your business agreements and customer expectations.

Yes. ShipMate+ supports customs documentation for a wide range of shipment types, including standard parcels, express packages, and freight or cargo shipments. With access to over 40 freight, LTL, air cargo, and sea container carriers, our team coordinates all relevant customs paperwork — packing lists, commercial invoices, EEI filings, and certificates of origin — for both LCL and FCL international freight movements.

For most standard commercial shipments sent via FedEx, UPS, or USPS international services, a licensed customs broker is not required — the carrier handles formal entry on your behalf. However, you do need accurate and complete documentation. ShipMate+ prepares all required forms and ensures compliance with destination-country rules, acting as your expert documentation partner for straightforward cross-border shipments.