The black box, opened
To most importers, customs is a black box: the container goes in, fees come out. Understanding the seven stages turns surprises into line items you can plan for.
The seven stages
Stage What happens Typical time
--- --- ---
1. Pre-arrival filing Manifest submitted by carrier Before arrival
2. Arrival + discharge Container unloaded to port yard 1–2 days
3. Declaration Broker files entry with documents 1 day
4. Assessment Customs calculates duty and VAT 1–3 days
5. Inspection (if selected) Physical or X-ray exam 1–7 days
6. Payment Duties, VAT, fees paid Same day
7. Release + delivery Gate pass, truck to your door 1–2 days
Where the delays actually are
:::chart Share of clearance delays by cause
Document errors | 35
Inspection selection | 25
Payment/valuation disputes | 20
Port congestion | 12
Missing permits | 8
:::
How to clear faster
- File before arrival — a good broker submits the declaration while the ship is still at sea.
- Pre-agree the valuation method — disputes over declared value are the slowest to resolve.
- Keep permits ready — for regulated goods, the permit takes longer than the clearance.
- Budget demurrage — free days at port are limited; every document error costs real money per day.
> Customs clearance is 90% preparation and 10% waiting. The waiting is for the unprepared.
Documents ready before the ship lands
Prebro deal rooms generate and store the invoice, packing list, and shipping documents as the deal progresses — so your broker receives a complete, consistent file, not a scramble of emails.