01 / SCOPE
Shipment information review
Check product descriptions, quantities, values, weights and packaging against the actual shipment.
Review document preparationCUSTOMS CLEARANCE
Customs clearance support.
Prepare the shipment information.
Connect freight handovers with clear documents and an identified customs contact. VG Shipping reviews the information needed for the agreed export or import clearance coordination.
Discuss customs clearanceCUSTOMS CLEARANCE SCOPE
Identify the cargo, the documents and the clearance contact.
02 / SCOPE
Export & import coordination
Agree who prepares and submits declarations and who authorizes the customs representative. Confirm the country-specific service scope.
Discuss clearance coordination03 / SCOPE
Queries, holds & release
Identify a contact able to respond to authority queries and approve any additional work. Connect release status with storage and delivery planning.
Review compliance preparationWORK SCOPE & CHARGES
Define clearance work and conditional handling charges.
Documents & declaration coordination
Specify the shipment information review, customs representative coordination and filing-related services included in the quote.
Review the clearance scope
Inspection & additional handling
Customs queries or examinations can trigger extra handling, storage or transport. Confirm approval contacts and how these charges are calculated.
Plan for inspection questions
Release & onward handover
Coordinate the release message with terminal collection or delivery. Duties, taxes and storage are separate items unless the written scope states otherwise.
Confirm release arrangementsCUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS
Prepare the information before the customs handover.
Collect the shipment facts
Provide product descriptions, values, quantities, origin, destination and the commercial parties.
Agree the responsibilities
Identify the importer, exporter and customs representative. Confirm who supplies and approves information.
Coordinate the submission
Support the agreed document handover and follow information requests through the named contact.
Confirm release & next steps
Check release arrangements before collection. Review any inspection, storage or delivery follow-up.
PLAN THE SERVICE HANDOVERS
Keep document readiness connected to cargo release.
| Service stage | What can affect progress | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo description | Completeness of product and shipment information | Clear description and packed quantities |
| Document review | Consistency across invoice, packing list and transport details | Approved working document set |
| Customs handover | Representative authorization and submission requirements | Named responsible parties |
| Authority review | Queries, inspections or requests for supporting evidence | Contact able to answer promptly |
| Release & collection | Release confirmation and terminal receiving arrangements | Collection or delivery instruction |
Customs clearance is not guaranteed by a freight booking. Applicable requirements and the authority's review determine what further information or examination may be needed.
PREPARE THE SERVICE BRIEF
Prepare the details before work begins.
Product Description
Provide the actual goods, materials, intended use and relevant model details. Avoid vague descriptions such as 'parts' without supporting information.
Invoice & Packing List
Match quantities, values, package counts and weights across the commercial and shipping records.
Responsible Parties
Confirm importer, exporter, consignee and the customs representative. Provide the information required for their roles.
Supporting Evidence
Identify any origin, product or safety documentation needed for the cargo and market. Arrange a contact for additional queries.
CARGO PREPARATION & RECORDS
Match the cargo record to the physical handover.
Warehouse counts and package marks should match the packing list before terminal transfer. If carton condition or quantities differ, record the exception and agree the correction before dispatch. Inspection and repacking require a separately defined work scope.
Explore related support
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC PREPARATION
Review requirements for the receiving country.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Shipping from China to Indonesia
Compare China to Indonesia sea freight, air cargo and supplier consolidation with the receiving island and final delivery address defined before booking.
Explore this route
MIDDLE EAST
Shipping from China to the UAE
Review China to UAE sea freight and air cargo with the emirate, importer and local or onward delivery scope stated clearly.
Explore this route
EUROPE
Shipping from China to Germany
Compare China to Germany sea freight, air cargo and available rail options using the receiving postcode, importer and complete delivery scope.
Explore this routeLEADING BRANDS
Trusted by leading brands
PRACTICAL SHIPPING GUIDES
Documents, Delivery Terms & Cargo Preparation
How to prepare documentation for first-time imports from China
Read article
How to compare DDP and DAP for small replenishment orders
Read article
What changes when you choose DAP delivery
Read articleCUSTOMS CLEARANCE QUESTIONS
Your customs clearance questions, answered.
Start with the actual goods, service scope and responsible parties.
Can a freight booking guarantee customs clearance?
No. Authorities decide whether goods can be released and may request documents, inspection or additional information. Agree the clearance coordination scope, but allow for the product- and destination-specific review.
What documents are usually reviewed for customs coordination?
Start with a consistent commercial invoice, packing list and shipment transport details. Additional origin, product, permit or safety information depends on the goods and destination. Confirm the required set with the responsible customs representative.
Who is responsible for the accuracy of customs information?
The commercial parties must provide accurate facts about the goods and transaction. Confirm who acts as importer or exporter, who authorizes the customs representative and who approves the information used for the declaration.
What happens if customs requests an inspection?
Identify a contact able to provide evidence and authorize handling. Ask how examination, storage and onward transport charges will be handled. Do not arrange delivery until the relevant release and collection requirements are confirmed.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE ENQUIRY
Request a customs coordination review.
Share the product, origin, destination, invoice, packing details and the stage of the shipment. Identify your importer or exporter contact.
Customs decisions remain with the relevant authorities. Declare restrictions and missing documents before cargo handover.