Custom Clearance :
A necessary process of permitting goods that are transported (Import or export) from one country to another through an authorized customs broker.
1. Who is a customs broker?
A customs broker is a licensed specialist, trained to handle the declaration of your shipments through international customs. Their expertise includes tariff and customs laws, rules and regulations for the clearance of imported or exported goods or merchandise. They ensure appropriate customs permits are obtained for goods entering, leaving or being trans-shipped through a particular territory. The agents will be able to organize custom entries, payment of duties, and how goods can be discharged from custody.
2. Import clearance process
Importers are required to obtain a custom permit before
actual importation of goods into Singapore. While some goods may be prohibited, others may only be allowed in limited quantities or under specific conditions. Imported goods are also subjected to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty payment.
Dutiable goods, which incur both GST and duty, are:
-Alcohol
-Tobacco products
-Motor vehicles
-Petroleum products
Customs brokers can help to obtain the appropriate
certificates, licenses and permits to import your goods.
3. Export Clearance Process
While Goods and Services Tax (GST) and duty are not levied
on goods exported from Singapore, exporters are required to apply for the relevant
Customs export permits. It is essential to declare Free on Board (FOB) value of
the goods in the export permit application.
Custom brokers can assist to declare on behalf of the
exporter, obtain Certificate of Origin and advise on Free Trade Agreements to
ensure processes are appropriate for the goods being transported and that the
declaration process is carried out thoroughly, speedily and cost effectively.
4. What are the documents required for an import or export process?
- Country of origin
- Airwaybill
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Licenses where applicable
- Supporting documents where required
5. When is customs clearance needed?
Whenever you transport commercial goods from one country to another by land, air, or sea, usually, custom clearance processes are involved. A customs permit is also required to account for the import and tax payment of the goods. Accurate information of goods is vital to avoid delays in customs clearance processes
6. How long is a typical customs clearance process?
Customs clearance takes approximately 3-5 days and this
time frame can vary during the year.
7.What are the advantages of Customs Brokerage
It’s Cheaper!
Let’s start with a really easy one. Using a specialist customs service
provider will almost always be cheaper than buying such services in a bundle
through a freight forwarder or shipping broker.
It’s More Secure
When you work with a customs broker or customs service provider your business
is secure from the increasing number of threats to your trade data.
It’s Faster
With the globalization of trade there is now more external cross-border trade
in goods than ever before, and this requires constant policing by national
customs during the declaration process and at the physical border.
Makes Your Business More Competitive
As countries’ economic priorities change, so do their
customs and trade compliance regimes, and particularly the tariffs they apply
to imported goods. An experienced and capable customs broker provides timely
and comprehensive advice on these changes as they happen and is therefore able
to advise clients accordingly.
You Can Be Assured Of Compliance
Failure to complete customs paperwork accurately and on a timely basis, or
failure to secure import licenses for the goods to be imported or exported will
lead to delays in cargo being released, and may also lead to imposition of
fines and other penalties.
Customs brokers not only keep abreast
of current customs laws and how they are applied but will also be updated by
their national customs agency and other government departments on possible
changes in customs regulations which might be coming down the line, thus
allowing them to give the most up to date customs information to their clients.
Speaking The Language Of Customs
As supply chains become more and
more complicated and include one or more border crossings, customs brokers have
the ability to ensure that the necessary customs clearance processes
are embedded in the overall supply chain process, and that information is
communicated to external stakeholders accurate and on a timely basis.
8. Where can I find a customs broker?
TNETS is one of the largest declaring agents in South East
Asia and we assist many traders, importers, and exporters to declare import and
export permits. TNETS’ team of custom specialist have the knowledge and
expertise to communicate effectively with the international trade
specialists within the importers’ and exporters’ organisations in order to
ensure that cargo is cleared and delivered in a timely manner and in full
compliance with customs regulations.