What Exactly Is Customs Clearance, and How Does It Work?

 Customs clearance is defined in Article 35 of the Customs Law as the set of procedures and acts performed before customs related to the entry and exit of merchandise from the national territory, depending on the different traffics (air, sea, land) and customs regimes.

Global customs clearance, in a nutshell, is the set of procedures used to verify and approve the entry or exit of goods. Similarly, its procedure is based on the submission of certain pertinent information to the appropriate customs authority.

When merchandise enters the country, it is routed to controlled warehouses where it is stored while it awaits customs clearance in Mexico. That is, the goods arriving at the warehouse have not been formally introduced into the territory, but they are protected.

Customs Clearance in 5 Steps

The figure of the customs agent stands out in the customs clearance, digital clearance service process, in charge of declaring the goods via an electronic system that streamlines commercial traffic.

Similarly, Online Customs Clearance Solution and merchandise subject to inspection can be chosen for review, with an automatic selection mechanism (fiscal traffic light). The merchandise clearance process is divided into the following stages:

1. Publication of Guides

It refers to the document that contains the product's specifications. The sender, recipient, type of articles and cargo, and other important details must be clearly stated here.

2. Cargo Physical Inspection

When merchandise is already on its way to the audited warehouses, it is thoroughly checked and compared to the information declared in the guide.

3. Movement Preparation

Official digital document required for the cargo to pass through the tax traffic light. It describes the goods, the customs regime, the transportation, and other formalities.

4. Contribution Payment

All merchandise entering or leaving the country is subject to rates based on its classification. Most exports are unpaid, but imports range from 5 to 20% of total cost.

5. Merchandise Request

All merchandise is checked with gamma rays after passing through the tax traffic light (if it turns green, the merchandise goes to review; if it turns red, it is held for inspection). The merchandise is released at the end of this process and can be disposed of.

Goods Customs Clearance Types

There are three types of customs clearance procedures:

A. Priority Delivery

It enables goods to be declared before the mode of transport arrives at the destination port. The above, in order to reduce costs and deliver products to the consignee's warehouse in a timely and direct manner. Recommend for perishable items.

B. Immediate Delivery

Its main feature is that it facilitates the entry of relief shipments in cases of epidemics, disasters, and natural disasters, as well as goods that require preferential treatment for shipment. Special medications are one example.

C. Outstanding Dispatch

It allows for a maximum of 30 days after the date of unloading to request the customs destination; however, after that time, the merchandise may be legally abandoned. In some cases, this type of office is used for machinery.

Who is Responsible for My Company's Merchandise Distribution?

Customs clearance and digital brokerage solution is an important aspect to consider when conducting any commercial transaction. As a result, it is critical to select the proper customs representative who will carry out the procedure correctly.

The following are some of the benefits of hiring qualified professionals:

1. Guidance on regulatory compliance procedures.

2. Make customs clearance easier.

3. Determine which taxes are due.

4. Pay all applicable duties and taxes.

5. Determine the customs regimes, among other things.

5 Benefits of Using a Customs Agency for Your Business

In essence, a customs agency serves an important purpose: to assist businesses with all aspects of foreign trade in three situations: import, export, and release retained merchandise.

As a result, the following are some of the benefits of having a customs agency:

• All customs procedures are regulated.

• Prepare and present the merchandise declarations.

• Adequate product classification in tariff nomenclature.

• Verification of the correct declaration of the quantity, quality, and value of the merchandise before customs.

• Advice on the procedures and requirements for customs clearance of goods.

A Customs Agency Provides Services

When selecting a customs agency, it is best to go with one that has experience, professionalism, and, most importantly, one that gives you confidence and legal certainty.

Grupo Bolt Agencia Aduanal has the infrastructure and experience to help you improve your foreign trade processes by providing services such as:

• Mexico import

• Logistics and transportation

• Distribution and storage

• Merchandise Import

• Customs brokerage firm