%201.svg){kind=small}
Latest posts
Download resources
Customs clearance: definition and important aspects for buyers
.jpeg)
Customs clearance in a nutshell:
Customs clearance covers all administrative and legal processes for importing and exporting goods across national borders, including customs clearance, documentation and payment of fees. It is a critical process for purchasing, as it has a direct impact on delivery times, overall costs and the legally compliant handling of international procurement processes.
Example: An automotive supplier imports electronic components worth EUR 50,000 from China, whereby the import duty rate can be reduced from 14% to 4.7% through correct customs clearance with HS code classification and certificates of origin, which means a saving of EUR 4,650.
Contents
What is customs clearance?
Customs clearance covers all the processes and formalities required to transport goods across international borders in compliance with the law. This includes the correct declaration of import and export goods, the calculation and payment of customs duties and taxes as well as compliance with all relevant regulations and laws of the countries involved. Efficient customs clearance ensures that goods are delivered on time and that there are no delays or legal problems in international trade.
Core elements of customs clearance
Significance for purchasing
Customs clearance is of central importance for purchasing, as it has a direct impact on delivery times, costs and compliance. Effective customs clearance makes it possible to minimize import costs, avoid legal risks and ensure a smooth supply chain. Buyers need to know the customs regulations in order to correctly evaluate suppliers, agree optimal Incoterms and avoid potential delays in the customs process.
Customs clearance: From manual process handling to digital customs clearance
Customs clearance is an essential part of international trade, enabling the legitimate flow of goods across national borders. Traditionally, customs procedures have been characterized by paper-based processes and manual entries, often resulting in delays and increased operational costs. With the increase in global trade volumes and the growing complexity of customs regulations, there is an urgent need for more efficient solutions. Digitization is now revolutionizing customs clearance by automating processes and integrating modern technologies.
Old: Manual customs clearance
Traditional approach: In manual customs processing, all documents such as customs declarations, commercial invoices and proofs of origin were created in paper form and physically submitted to the customs authorities. Employees had to manually determine customs tariff numbers and enter data multiple times, which led to high error rates. Communication with the authorities often took place by telephone or fax, and document verification was hardly possible. These time-consuming processes could cause delivery delays and significantly impaired the efficiency of supply chains.
New: Digital customs clearance
Digital Customs Clearance: Modern customs clearance relies on electronic systems and automation to significantly speed up the process. By using customs software that is integrated into ERP systems, companies can create customs declarations electronically and send them directly to the customs authorities. Technologies such as EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) enable fast and secure data exchange. Automated classification tools help with correct customs classification, while compliance modules ensure that all legal regulations are adhered to. This leads to a reduction in errors, faster releases and lower overall operating costs.
Practical example: Automotive industry
A leading car manufacturer has reduced the release times for imported vehicle parts by 50% by introducing digital customs clearance. Using an integrated software solution, customs declarations were created automatically and sent electronically to the German customs authorities via the ATLAS system. Errors in data transmission were reduced by 80% and real-time monitoring enabled a proactive response to potential delays. This enabled the company to reduce its storage costs by 1.5 million euros per year and ensure just-in-time production.
Conclusion on customs clearance
Customs clearance is a complex but crucial process in international trade. Efficient and compliant implementation not only saves costs, but also minimizes risks and delays. The key to success lies in the digital transformation of processes, sound specialist knowledge and proactive supplier management. Companies that invest in modern customs systems and continuously train their employees gain a strategic advantage in global competition.
