What is a Customs Entry and how it operates

31 May What is a Customs Entry and how it operates

Many people may hear of this, here is what exactly it is

In simplistic terms, a Customs Entry (also known as a Customs Declaration) is a statement of information, which is provided by a logistics company to a Customs authority, such as in China, when goods are imported or exported overseas.

In the China a Customs Entry is only required when goods are imported or exported from outside the EU. It is important to remember that if you Shipping from china, a Customs Entry will not be required.

A Customs Entry generally includes the following information:
– The name and address of the shipper and consignee
– The origin and destination of the cargo
– The mode of transport
– A description of the goods being sent (including a commodity code)
– The value and weight of the goods being sent

If a Customs Entry is required and it has not been completed or provided, the cargo will not be allowed to travel forward and it likely that penalties and storage charges will accrue until this has been furnished. Similarly if any errors are included in a Customs Entry, the Customs authority are likely to charge penalties and fines for the misdeclaration of information.

If a company in China wishes to import or export goods from outside they will be required to nominate a China freight agent to complete the Customs Entry on their behalf. When choosing a logistics company to provide this service it is important to check that they have a direct link to CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight), which is China Customs computer system. A logistics company with a direct link to CHIEF will be able to complete a Customs Entry much quicker, which should prevent any unnecessary delays.