From the EU to the USA – export customs clearance explained simply and easy to understand

On the way to their destination in the USA, goods exported from the EU have to go through various steps of the customs clearance procedure. They depend on the customs procedure, the kind of goods and the value of goods. While experienced customs experts know what to do laymen easily get confused over the complexity of rules. We therefore present to you the process steps of export customs clearance below – in a simple and comprehensible way.

For further and more detailed information about customs clearance, please contact us directly.

The EU export declaration

Does the value of your shipment exceed 1.000 Euro or is it heavier than 1.000 kg? In that case all goods have to be declared to EU customs with an export declaration.

Have you assigned EgeTrans as your customs representative? Then we will prepare this export declaration for you via ATLAS and transmit it electronically to customs. Subsequently you will receive the MRN (transaction number) from us.

Thereupon the customs office opens the clearance procedure in which we, as your representative, are requested to present the goods to the customs authority. Under certain conditions, the customs inspection may take place directly on the premises of the consigner. Our information is verified by customs, the export accompanying document is issued and the goods are released for shipment.

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The EU export procedure

The shipment is now transported to the appropriate EU border location. As a freight forwarder, we are glad to take over this service for you.

At the EU customs office of exit, it is checked whether the goods correspond to the information on the export accompanying document. After inspection, customs releases the goods, the export procedure is completed and the goods can be exported from the European Union. An exit note is added on the documents and forwarded to you.

In certain cases, EU Customs grants procedural facilitations to ensure that customs clearance is processed quickly. However, in order to be granted these facilitations certain prerequisites have to be met and admissions have to be available, such as an AEO-F or authorized consignor certificate held by the appointed customs representative.

Prior to vessel loading

While your goods are on their way to the USA with EgeTrans, we begin with preparations for U.S. import with the transmission of certain information. If the goods are transported by ship, an Importer Security Filing (10+2 Rule / ISF-Filing)needs to be performed by submitting 12 data elements to the U.S. authority 24 hours prior to loading.

Already in time before arrival in the USA, the appointed Customs Broker prepares all the necessary formalities and documents required for import at the designated port of entry in the USA. At EgeTrans, this service is taken over by our own staff in the Chicago.

The U.S. Import Process

Once the shipment arrives in the U.S., the Importer of Record (e.g. a contracted licensed Customs Broker) must specify the onward transport of the goods after their arrival at the port. The goods may be declared for consumption or storage at the port of arrival itself. Of course, they may also be transported in-bond to another storage location.

Within 15 days after importation, the release of the goods in the USA must be submitted with the Cargo Release. For this purpose, EgeTrans USA, as the appointed Customs Broker, submits particular documents to Customs, e.g. the Entry Manifest, the commercial invoice and the packing list. For each import, U.S. Customs also requires the presentation (so-called Customs Bonds) of a security in the amount of the value of the goods and the import duties.

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Inspection by U.S. Customs

U.S. Customs inspects the goods on the basis of the documentation and releases the goods or, if necessary, orders a customs inspection. Within ten days after goods release the entry summary declaration has to be submitted and import duties have to be paid. This concludes the final customs clearance by U.S. Customs.

To expedite customs clearance, it is possible to file an Immediate Release with Customs, which allows goods to be released immediately upon arrival. This requires a Cargo Release to be filed, the entry summary submitted and Customs duties do be paid prior to the actual arrival in the U.S.

Our team in Chicago is glad to handle expedited customs clearance for you.

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Our graphic gives you an overview of the customs clearance process for goods exported from the EU to the USA.

Overview Customs Clearance

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Do you have questions regarding the customs clearance process?

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The content on the subject of customs clearance was created with the greatest possible care. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the content provided.

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