Customs clearance is sometimes overwhelming, especially when you are shipping large volumes of a product overseas. Because there are several complications involved in the process, it is also sometimes time-consuming. Many new businesses can not be off guard with the stress of customs clearance.
Today, we’ll talk about customs clearance, how long it takes from Saudi Arabia, and all the factors involved in speeding up the process to help your product arrive at its destination.
WHAT IS CUSTOMS CLEARANCE?
Customs clearance is a process by which shippers and shipping companies submit documents to customs authorities in order to get permission to import or export. The process is carried out to make sure whether the payment for taxes, duties, and other regulations regarding the import/export of goods has been made or not.
The verification process varies with the nature of the goods and the origin/country of shipping.
WHAT IS THE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS?
When shipping goods from one country to another, it is critical to have your shipment inspected by a customs officer. The final stage of the import/export process involves a thorough inspection of the consignment, followed by a physical examination of the goods, to ensure their safety, compliance with standards, and fulfillment of all requirements. After verification, the customs officer will issue a shipment release order, allowing you to take possession of your goods.
The whole process seems daunting, and sometimes companies’ brokerage is helpful in the clearance of goods.
HOW LONG DOES CUSTOMS CLEARANCE TAKE FROM SAUDI ARABIA?
Although customs clearance is a strenuous task, Saudia Arabia is one of the ideal locations to ship all kinds of goods across the world for two reasons: its accessibility to the Red Sea, and because it is the logistics hub for three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Customs clearance in Saudi Arabia usually takes 24 hours if you hire a reliable and expert freight forwarding company like Fast n Accurate. The company will handle all the paperwork, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. This process has four main steps.
1. PAPERWORK VERIFICATION
Paperwork verification is demanding, especially when you move your goods across the border. A customs brokerage can assist you in completing documents, which the customs officer verifies. For air freight and ocean freight, you will need the following items:
- Proof of identity
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Insurance documents
- Certificate of origin, and
- Other relevant export documents
It is important that all documents are accurate and complete.
2. CUSTOMS OFFICERS’ CHECKS AND ASSESSMENT
It is a very important stage in the whole clearance process. A customs officer will check if the shipment fulfills or meets the standard of its country’s policies. He will check the following things to avoid any potential issues:
- Types of goods
- The laws of the importing country and
- The value of the goods
3. PAYMENT REQUESTS FOR TAXES AND DUTIES, IF NECESSARY
The next step is to make payment requests for taxes and duties. Once you file a customs entry with the relevant authorities, you must make all the necessary payments for taxes, duties, and regulations before you can release the goods.
4. RELEASING THE SHIPMENT-THE END PROCESS
Once all the duties and taxes have been paid and customs clearance is complete, your goods are ready to be released. Your freight forwarder or transportation company will ship the consignment from customs to the destination.
24-HOUR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS AT FAST N ACCURATE
Fast n Accurate is a leading freight forwarding company in Saudi Arabia, providing 24-hour customs clearance irrespective of the cargo – Import, Export, and Re-export (Frozen/ DG/ General or Bulk). They have extensive customs knowledge and experience, ensuring a smooth and efficient clearance process for their international freight. For more details, visit their website.
