Customs clearance is a mandatory process for any goods entering or leaving a country. It requires a customs declaration to be completed (usually this is performed by a customs broker), containing essential information about the goods entering or leaving the country.

When the declaration meets the customs authority’s requirements, it’s approved. In this case, it’s cleared customs and, once the requisite disbursements have been paid, the goods can legally pass the border.

If the declaration doesn’t meet the customs authority’s requirements, further information or an inspection of goods may be required. In this event, the goods are held up at the border until the declaration meets the requirements.