The Customs Process

The Customs Process

Customs – a simple enough word – but how do we actually define the word in relation to our business? Find out how DHL Express fits into the wider picture of customs regulations and the clearance of your shipments for delivery.
  1. What is Customs?
  2. DHL's Role
  3. Shipping Goods
  4. Customs Documentation
Customs authorities are responsible for performing a wide range of regulatory controls aimed at protecting both revenues and the security and safety, health and prosperity of country’s citizens and business as well as managing border controls.
Customs is simply an authority or agency that resides at country level. In terms of revenue, its first responsibility is not only the collection but also the safeguarding of customs duties and taxes.
This management of customs duties and taxes is essential for controlling the flow of goods in and out of a country. Therefore, the customs process begins in the country of origin and ends in the country of destination.

    • Related Articles

    • Customs Clearance Advice Guidelines for Shipping Alcoholic Beverages

      The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the safety and security of most of our nation’s food supply, which includes alcoholic beverages. The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) assures compliance with Federal ...

    • Importing Food to the US

      FDA Regulations for Shipping Food to the US Ensure speedy customs clearance and earliest delivery when shipping food to the US. DHL helps you understand the latest FDA and US customs regulations.

    • What are Duties and Taxes?

      When transporting goods across international borders, shipments are subject to duties and taxes as determined by customs in the destination country based on value, origin and commodity type.

    • Duty Tax Processing

      Whenever DHL Express pre-pays any customs duty, excise duty and/or import tax on imports and neither the importer or receiver of the goods have a DHL account, a surcharge is payable to DHL on a per shipment basis. This advance payment by DHL enables ...

    • What Documents Do I Need?

      Be prepared before you ship! Along with a transport label, shipments may also need other documents such as a customs invoice or destination specific documents to accompany the shipment. Labels Customs Invoice Sanctions Documents A transport label ...