Customs authorities decide what to release based on your documents. Accurate, complete paperwork is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays at the border.
The essentials
- Commercial invoice: seller, buyer, full goods descriptions, quantities, values, currency, Incoterms and country of origin.
- Packing list: what is in each package, with weights and dimensions.
- Transport document: air waybill, bill of lading or road consignment note — we issue these.
- Licences or certificates where the goods or destination require them.
Common causes of customs holds
- Vague descriptions such as "parts" or "samples".
- Missing or incorrect HS codes.
- Values that do not match the payment or look unrealistically low.
- Missing importer registration numbers.