Clearing

Customs Clearing is a profession that involves the 'clearing' of goods through customs. This involves the preparation of documents and the calculation (and usually the payment) on behalf of the client of taxes, duties and excises, and facilitating communication between the importer/exporter and governmental authorities. Customs Clearer's need to be familiar with the Tariff Schedule, a listing of duty rates for imported items, and the regulations governing importations. For example, a customs clearer may need to advise an importer regarding country of origin marking requirements or the precise paperwork requirements for a clothing shipment subject to quota/visa requirements. Knowing the requirements of each type of import can avoid costly delays or seizure of the merchandise. Many customs clearer's specialize in certain types of transactions, such as wearing apparel, perishables, or clearing the crew and manifest of large cargo vessels. Customs clearer's can be located at inland "ports" to clear merchandise sent "in bond" but most are located at major airports and harbors with international traffic. Customs clearer's normally arrange the transshipment or local delivery of cleared merchandise through relationships with trucking companies and others. Customs clearer's must pass an examination to become licensed. Customs clearer's are not government employees and should not be confused with Customs agents, although in some countries the term customs agent may mean customs broker.

Custom clearer's may be employed by or affiliated with freight forwarders, but may be independent businesses or may be employed by shipping lines, importers, exporters, trade authorities and customs brokerage firms.