How Much Do You Know About the "Passport" for Customs Clearance?

Clearing customs is often the most time-consuming part of shipping, and many people face cargo detentions due to "incorrect invoice values" or "misclassified HS codes." In fact, a reliable freight forwarder helps you navigate this critical step.

For example, if you're exporting cosmetics to France, the forwarder will first verify your documents: checking for product ingredient test reports and compliance with EU CE certification. They will then confirm the correct HS code (e.g., ensuring face cream is classified under 34013000, not 34011990, as the tax rates and regulatory requirements differ). During declaration, they submit documents directly to the customs system and communicate promptly with you if any issues arise. Upon arrival in France, they can also handle the import clearance, saving you the hassle of finding a local customs broker.

It's crucial to provide the forwarder with complete documents upfront (contract, invoice, packing list, special certificates) and not conceal any cargo information (e.g., failing to declare dangerous goods may result in fines). Whether for FCL, LCL, or multimodal transport, customs clearance is the stage most prone to issues. Incorrect documentation or wrong commodity classification can lead to cargo seizures, fines, and delays of several days. This is where the freight forwarder's customs brokerage service becomes invaluable.

We at Peng Sou Logistics are familiar with the customs regulations of various countries: for instance, exporting to the EU requires CE certification, while shipping to the US demands FDA documentation. We have a clear understanding of which goods are duty-free and the applicable tax rates for others. Before filing, we will review your commercial contract, invoice, and packing list for accuracy, and confirm the correct HS code (the unique "ID number" for commodities). During the declaration process, we interface directly with customs to submit documents and pay taxes/duties. For the destination country, we also manage import customs clearance, so you don't need to communicate with foreign customs authorities yourself.