Import customs clearance - everything you need to know before your goods enter the EU
Import customs clearance - what is worth knowing?
If you are importing goods from outside the European Union, you have certainly come across the term import clearance. It is one of the longest, most complex and demanding customs procedures for the movement of goods - and one of the key issues we discuss at Alfa Agency Customs in „Customs Tips”.
What exactly is import clearance? How does it work, when can the goods enter the EU market freely and what documents do you need? Our expert explains. Marcin Szreder.
What does import customs clearance consist of?
Import clearance is the procedure for releasing goods from outside the European Union for circulation within the European Union. Unlike transit, where duties and taxes are paid at a later stage, in the case of imports the full amount is usually paid immediately customs i VAT.
An exception to this is if the importer benefits from a deferral of VAT settlement in the tax return (e.g. under Article 33a of the VAT Act). This allows the goods after clearance to be moved freely throughout the EU - from point A to point B - without additional customs formalities.
What is the procedure like in practice?
In order for us to carry out import clearance on your behalf, we need:
- Mandates to represent you before the customs authorities.
- A set of commercial documents - e.g. invoice, waybill, packing list - with translation into Polish.
- If necessary - additional documents required for specific goods, e.g:
- certificates and attestations (e.g. CE declaration of conformity),
- the results of sanitary or veterinary inspection tests,
- import licences and permits.
„At Alfa Agencja Celna, we analyse the import case each time to ensure that all formal requirements have been met even before it is submitted for clearance,” emphasises Marcin Szreder.
Why should you entrust your imports to a customs agency?
The import procedure may seem straightforward, but in practice:
- Failure to provide the required document may result in retention of goods at the border.
- Errors in declaration or CN codes may result in overcharged customs duties or the need for corrections.
- Improper preparation for clearance can delay the entry of goods into the market.
Experienced customs agency:
- checks the documents and requirements for your goods,
- prepares the customs declaration in AIS,
- represents you before the customs authorities,
- advises on more favourable VAT settlement procedures,
- monitors clearance until the goods are released.
When is it worth contacting us?
- You are importing goods from outside the European Union.
- You want to make sure that the procedure goes smoothly and in accordance with the regulations.
- You need support in completing documents or translations.
- You are looking for an agency to analyse your case and select the best tax and customs solution.
Contact the experts at Alfa Customs Agency
We will ensure that your import complies with regulations and that the goods are sold or redistributed as quickly as possible - without unnecessary delays or the risk of additional costs.
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