📚 China import course

Customs clearance is the set of procedures needed to import goods officially into your country. Here are the steps in detail:

Before the ship (or plane) arrives
1. Confirm the shipping documents: receive PDF copies of the B/L, invoice, packing list and certificate of origin from the supplier
2. Review the documents: check that all the details are correct before the shipment arrives
3. Appoint a customs broker: if you do not have a regular one, choose one now
4. Pre-file the import declaration: many customs authorities allow electronic pre-filing

When the shipment arrives
5. Arrival notice: the shipping line sends it to you and to the broker
6. Hand the original B/L (or Telex Release) to the shipping agent
7. Pay the port handling and storage charges
8. File the customs declaration with all the documents

Customs inspection
9. The system decides whether the shipment needs a physical inspection:
- Many shipments only go through the X-ray scanner
- "Red channel" shipments are inspected manually
10. If inspected: the carton or container is opened and its contents checked against the packing list

Payment and release
11. Customs issues the assessment of the duties due
12. Pay the customs duty + VAT
13. The release order is issued
14. Move the goods from the port to your warehouse

Expected timeline:
- Saudi customs: 2–5 working days
- UAE customs: 1–3 days
- Egyptian customs: 5–15 days (sometimes longer)
Always rely on a customs broker to speed things up.