Customs documents

The term 'customs clearance' or 'customs clearance' refers to the completion of customs formalities when goods enter the EU. Goods presented to Customs from outside the Union are subject to customs supervision. The goods are then referred to as 'controlled goods'. Only after payment of import duties, VAT and other taxes, the goods are released for free circulation. Handling fee is a servicing fee you pay to the service provider for preparing the customs clearance documents and handling all customs formalities.

When you import goods from a country outside the EU, you generally have to pay import duties and VAT. There are exceptions. Countries can have free trade agreements (FTA's). Partner countries are able to buy and sell products to each other with reduced or zero duties. Different rules may apply for various shipment values (total value of all goods contained in the shipment) different rules apply. The EU has trade agreements with the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Japan and many others. Do you require assistance with utilising tax advantages in Europe? Gaston Schul can advise you.

An export declaration for Customs is an official document that lists and gives details of goods that are being exported. This document is also referred to as EX-A customs document. International trade involves quite a few other documents. Which additional export trade documents are needed, depends on factors like product, destination country, and chosen means of transport. Your importer in the UK might require Documents of Origin (e.g. Certificate of Origin or a health certificate). We can help you get the appropriate export trade documents necesarry for shipment of your goods to the UK.