Customs-related services for e-commerce

Customs-related services for e-commerce

We provide professional customs clearance services. We assist in the import and export of all goods sold and purchased by online stores. We guarantee professional assistance at every stage of international shipment of goods. We assist in completing customs declarations, collecting documentation and adapting procedures to the specifics of e-commerce. We warmly encourage you to take advantage of our services!

e-Packman: what can we do for you?

We have many years of experience in the logistics industry, so we can guarantee professional implementation of each order. We offer assistance in customs clearance of e-commerce and courier shipments to individuals and companies. We carry out declarations remotely, at a location specified by the customer, such as his sorting office or warehouse or airport. The customs clearance services we offer are done efficiently and without involving individual customers, such as the customers of a particular store, in the process.

We will deliver the shipment to foreign customers in the shortest possible time!

We provide competitive prices and fast handling of customs clearance requests. We take an individual approach to each customer, tailoring our offer to meet specific business needs. For parcels shipped by us, customers can outsource the entire process of customs handling.

  • If the goods fit in cardboard packages or on several pallets, customs clearance is carried out through a courier company.
  • If the cargo is larger than a few pallets and travels by dedicated transport outside the European Union, then we clear customs through an agency we trust.

We always ask customers to send specific documents to speed up the whole process and calculate customs duties.

Customs clearance – what is it and who participates in it?

The term “customs clearance” refers to the entire process involved in transporting goods from one customs territory to another. The term itself actually refers to the documentation that is required during customs clearance. The course of the procedure varies from country to country, nevertheless, in each case a declaration to the customs office or customs chamber is required. Customs clearance involves agents, owners or holders of goods, freight forwarders and importers of goods or consignees.

Customs declaration requirements

Customs services only cover international shipments. If the package is shipped to a country with a different tax regime, it must pass through customs. This is because, in such a case, goods are exported and it is necessary to collect documentation, in accordance with the applicable customs regulations, in order to carry out proper clearance.

How does import or export customs clearance work?

Customs clearance is a multi-step procedure that changes depending on the mode chosen. In each case, however, there are some fixed points, which include:

  • entry of the shipment into customs,
  • verification of the shipment’s documentation,
  • payment of customs duties and taxes,
  • handing over the goods to the customer or importer.

Interestingly, customs documentation and permits can be verified even before the goods are delivered to the customs office of the shipment’s destination country.

Modes of customs clearance – modes

Customs performs the clearance of goods in four different modes. Among them are:

  • general clearance – shipments assessed in a standard manner;
  • immediate clearance – humanitarian aid shipments, perishable, dangerous, high-value goods, as well as live animals;
  • advance clearance – initiated before the package is forwarded to customs in the destination country;
  • exceptional clearance – submission of a clearance request possible after the completion of unloading.

Another classification includes direct and indirect customs clearance. In this case, the difference lies in the way customs documentation is prepared. If it is carried out by the exporter himself, then one speaks of direct customs clearance. Indirect clearance, on the other hand, is understood as a service performed by a customs broker.

What documents are needed for customs clearance?

Every customs agency requires a set of documents for a smooth and hassle-free customs clearance. If you want to prepare well for shipping and avoid additional costs, make sure you have all the documents you need for clearance:

  • The commercial invoice, sometimes substituted for the customs invoice, contains all the information needed for proper clearance.
  • A consular invoice, issued by the consulate of the importing country, is a document similar to a commercial invoice, but nevertheless involves higher costs.
  • Certificates of origin – are not required within the European Union, but you must have them if you are shipping non-EU goods to other customs territories.
  • Customs documentation CN22 and CN23 – documents required if you are shipping outside the European Union via postal services (CN23 is accompanied by a C71 waybill).
  • ATA carnet – a document required when temporary clearance takes place, i.e. temporary export to attend an important event (analogously, CPD carnet issued to Taiwan).
  • SAD document – customs authorities require a declaration for import or export, which contains information about the product and VAT.
  • Declaration of value (DV1) – an addendum to the SAD document with details of the relationship between the exporter and importer.
  • Content entry or packing list – information on the number of packages shipped.
  • Declaration H7 – provided for goods of low value (less than 150 euros).

Of course, this is only part of the required documentation. Depending on the scale of the business and the specifics of the goods being shipped, insurance documents or certificates may also come into play.

How much does it cost to clear customs?

The final amount for customs declaration of goods is a component of several elements. We would like to remind you that the cost of import customs clearance should be increased by any customs duty and VAT. The clearance price itself will depend on the goods, the need for additional permits and certificates, and the number of shipments. It is worth noting here that the country of origin does not affect the application of the customs rate. The total costs depend on the complexity of the entire procedure. Not insignificant are issues related to customs supervision (making the goods available to customs authorities or the place where the inspection is carried out).

The final amount of clearance also depends on the prices offered by a particular agency. Using our services, you can be sure that you will receive solutions tailored to your needs, and additional costs will be reduced to the necessary minimum. If you have been in business for a short time and are looking for a reliable business partner, we invite you to cooperate with us!

Additional services under customs clearance

Customs clearance often generates additional costs, which is why it is so important to constantly work with a company that has experience in outsourcing logistics services. Access to expertise will allow you to avoid costs that would lead to unnecessary losses. What services are most popular among companies operating internationally?

  • Issuing a certificate of origin for goods,
  • registration of EORI number,
  • declaration for the release procedure in the AIS system,
  • declaration for the export procedure in the AES system,
  • issuance of EUR 1 certificate of origin and ATR,
  • issuance of T1 and T2 document,
  • customs revision,
  • inspection with market surveillance authorities (Sanepid, PIORIN, WIJHARS).

The implementation of all these procedures can be time-consuming, so we made sure to provide access to all services in one place.

Why trust e-Packman?

E-commerce customs assistance plays a key role in ensuring the efficiency and continuity of logistics procedures. The support of e-Packman’s specialists enables companies to trade abroad effectively and in accordance with international regulations, and minimizes the risk of delays and penalties associated with customs irregularities. Thanks to us, you can establish close relations with foreign customers and gain confidence that no irregularities will be detected by officials during customs inspections. Export and import assistance is a way to support your core business, and increase your competitiveness in the global market.

Trust the professionals in your industry: put your trust in e-Packman!

Using our services, you do not have to worry about official permits or the implementation of complex procedures. If you have any questions about the rights and obligations of importers or the export of goods outside the European Union, we will be happy to dispel any doubts. We will provide answers to the most frequently asked questions, including:

  • Which goods are excluded from the exemption?
  • What is the upper limit on the value of an exempt parcel?
  • How to fill out a customs declaration to obtain an exemption?

We will help you with all clearance issues, give you further instructions on the official procedure, and make sure your shipments are properly secured. We will guide you through all stages of the logistics process, so you won’t have to worry about the timely and safe delivery of your goods.

FAQ – the most common questions and answers

What goods are subject to customs clearance?

Customs procedures apply to the export of goods outside the European Union and the import of shipments from non-union countries. In this case, the shipment must undergo customs clearance.

How does customs clearance work for non-EU goods?

Customs clearance is the inspection of documentation and conformity of goods with their declared contents. Details of the procedure are contained in the Law on Value Added Tax of March 11, 2004. Either entire shipments of goods or parts thereof may be subject to inspection.

What is a free zone?

A Free Zone is a procedure in which customs and tax duties are suspended for goods with non-EU customs status. Such goods do not have to be declared for release in the EU. It is possible to re-export them.

What is a bonded warehouse?

A customs warehouse is a designated place within the European Union for the storage of non-EU goods under customs supervision. Such goods are not subject to customs duties.