Shipping Destination · June 3, 2026
Understanding the Customs Clearance Mechanism for Shipped Goods
An explanation of customs clearance, from how to process it to the documents you need to prepare to ensure your shipment runs smoothly
Jastip, short for personal shopping service, has become a popular phenomenon in Indonesia.
Why has jastip become popular? Because this service allows consumers to obtain foreign products that might be difficult to access or unavailable domestically.
For business people like you, jastip is certainly a great opportunity to serve customers who are increasingly open and looking for international products.
However, running a jastip business is not without challenges. One of the main obstacles is navigating the complexity of customs duties and international regulations.
Many underestimate customs issues, yet errors or lack of understanding in this process can result in problems, such as shipping delays, additional fees, and even the risk of goods seizure.
So how can you overcome this problem? The answer is a deep understanding of the customs clearance process.
With the right knowledge, thorough preparation, and cooperation with trusted partners, jastip business operators can optimize their operations and provide better service to customers.
In this article, we will discuss important information about customs clearance and how you can simplify the process to support your jastip business success.
What Is Customs Clearance for Shipped Goods?
Customs Clearance is an official process in which customs authorities perform inspection, approval, and release of goods entering (imports) or leaving (exports) a country.
If we quote from Crowley, customs clearance is the procedure required to allow goods transported to a country through authorized customs intermediaries. This process includes information related to import and export shipping with the parties involved in the process.
According to DHL, customs clearance is the act of moving goods through customs authorities to facilitate the movement of cargo into (imports) and out of a country (exports). Customs clearance also means a document issued by customs authorities to the shipper, indicating that all duties have been paid and the goods are ready for export.
According to FedEx, customs clearance is the process in which import or export shipments are inspected and approved by the Customs Office. This process can be broken down into four main steps: submission of customs documents, document assessment, calculation of duties and taxes, and payment of duties and taxes.
In essence, Customs Clearance for shipped goods is an important step in international trade, as it protects the economic interests, health, and security of a country while facilitating the flow of goods across borders.
This action ensures that shipments comply with local regulations, appropriate duty and tax payments, and correct submission of required documents.
How to Handle Customs Clearance
After you understand what customs clearance is, the next question is certainly How do I handle customs clearance?
ABC Express will explain the procedure for handling customs clearance, so you don't get confused. There are at least 3 steps you can take to handle customs clearance:
1. Customs Registration and Product License Process
The first step you need to take is customs registration, a mandatory procedure before you can import goods.
It is important to ensure that goods such as agricultural products, animals, or medicines have appropriate permits from relevant agencies, such as the Agricultural Quarantine Agency or BPOM.
According to Indonesia.go.id , there are 20 agencies that can set Prohibitions and Restrictions in the import process.
At this stage, the processing of licenses for goods to be imported must also be carried out. By ensuring complete documents and compliance with regulations, you can speed up the import process in the next steps.
2. Send Data to Customs
After you are registered and all product license documents are complete, it's time to submit the data to customs.
At this stage, customs will verify the documents, perform physical inspection of the goods, and if necessary, take samples for laboratory testing.
According to Soekarno-Hatta Customs, the verification process can actually go quickly, as long as all documents are complete and compliant.
However, a common obstacle that often slows down this process is incomplete documentation, especially for goods that fall into the category of prohibitions and restrictions (lartas), or have not yet received approval from relevant agencies.
3. Wait for Customs Audit and Re-inspection
After the verification process is complete, customs will send a detailed customs clearance fee statement to you, which consists of import duties and import taxes.
Based on PMK 144/PMK.04/2022, the customs value for calculating import duties is determined based on the transaction value of the imported goods. If the transaction value is not available or not valid, customs will use alternative methods such as identical goods value, deduction, or computation. After all payments are completed, only then can the goods be shipped to their final destination.
After you understand the process for handling customs clearance, you should start preparing the required documents.
Here are the documents required for customs clearance
International Shipping Documents for Customs Clearance of Shipped Goods
There are several shipping documents you need to understand - and while you may not need to fill out all of them, knowing the purpose of each can make your international shipping experience easier.
- Proforma invoice: An initial sales note sent to the buyer before shipping, which details the goods and their costs.
- Commercial invoice: An official document between supplier and buyer that details the goods sold, quantity, and price, serving as a transaction record and used for customs valuation.
- Export packing list: A detailed list that specifies the items in the shipment, their physical characteristics, and packaging details.
- Certificates of origin: An official document guaranteeing the country where the goods are produced, used to determine tariffs and trade eligibility.
- Certificate of free sale: A document showing that goods, particularly in the food and health sectors, are legally sold and used in the country of origin and can be exported.
- Shipper's letter of instruction: Instructions given by the shipper to the shipping agent, detailing how the shipment should be handled, delivered, and directed.
- Inland bill of lading: A contract between the cargo owner and the shipper for land transportation of goods, often used when transporting goods to the main shipping port.
- Ocean bill of lading: A contract between buyer and seller for shipping goods across international waters.
- Air waybill: A receipt issued by an international airline for goods, as proof of a transportation contract.
- Letter of credit: A document issued by a bank guaranteeing the buyer's payment to the seller, ensuring the seller receives payment as long as the specified shipping conditions are met.
Read also: Understanding the Air Waybill (AWB) in International Shipping
Understanding International Shipping Regulations
The differences in shipping regulations between countries can be very confusing. Everything from product restrictions and taxation, to packaging standards and violations can change at any time.
That is why it is important to stay up-to-date with current international shipping regulations, so your international transactions can go as smoothly as possible.
FedEx often publishes updates on major changes you need to know when doing international shipping. You can also use import/export regulatory tools like those provided by UPS. With these tools, you just need to select the country of origin, destination country, and documentation options. The tool then provides detailed information about what is required for each document based on the destination country's regulations.
The Impact of Taxes and Duties on Your Shipment
Internet sales taxes are not just a local matter. When venturing into the global market, your tax responsibilities also expand.
Charged by the receiving country's government, these fees may be based on the value, type, and origin of the shipment. GST (Goods and Services Tax) and other VAT (Value Added Tax) are not just sources of government revenue, but also tools to control the flow of certain goods into a country.
Read more about List of Documents for Shipping Goods Abroad (International)
Some countries have luxury taxes, sin taxes, or other special import duties. For e-commerce businesses, knowing these duties and tax implications beforehand can reduce the risk of unexpected costs when your shipment reaches the customs of the destination country.
If the appropriate fees are not paid beforehand, the shipment may experience delays. This can create obstacles for traders and their customers alike.
Procedure for the Customs Clearance Process for Shipped Goods
Whether you are a beginner e-commerce entrepreneur or an experienced exporter, understanding the four steps of the customs clearance process is essential if you want to ensure that international trade runs smoothly.
1. Shipping labels, invoices, and other documents are examined by customs
Every international shipment requires special documents to verify the contents, origin, and destination of the shipment. These documents include shipping labels, invoices, packing lists, and more.
Tips:
- Ensure documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
- Explain product descriptions and values clearly and transparently.
- Ensure you provide accurate contact information for both shipper and recipient.
2. Taxes and duties are determined, requested, and paid
Taxes and duties play a role in protecting domestic industries and generating revenue for the government.
Duty is a tariff that varies depending on the type of product, as well as its value and origin. Some goods are even exempt from import duties thanks to Section 321.
In addition, various fees (such as processing or inspection fees) include customs procedure fees and ensure imported products meet local standards.
Tips:
- Know the tax and duty regulations for your specific products in the destination country.
- Use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping if possible to simplify the process for the recipient.
- Stay updated on global shipping trends and policies that may affect tax and duty rates.
Read also: How to Ship Vehicle Spare Parts Abroad
3. The package or packages have been cleared
After taxes and duties are paid, and all documents are verified, the package is cleared by customs. This means the package is free to continue its journey to its final destination.
The package is then handed over to the local postal service or the destination country's service. Now this is the final leg of the journey, ready to be delivered to the recipient.
Challenges in Passing Customs Clearance for Shipped Goods
Even though you have done your best, customs obstacles may arise at some point. Some common ones include:
- Documentation errors: Small mistakes can cause big delays.
- Product restrictions: Some products may be restricted or require special permits.
- Volume spikes: Holidays or certain events can cause congestion at customs.
For businesses, especially smaller ones without a dedicated logistics team, these challenges can be very burdensome. Partnering with third-party logistics providers (3PL) can help overcome these issues, helping businesses stay compliant, reduce shipping delays, and provide a better experience for their customers.
What If Your Shipment Is Held at Customs?
If your shipment gets stuck at customs, there is no need to panic.
Common reasons for such delays involve inconsistencies in documents, prohibited or restricted items, or even routine random inspections.
Always pay attention to notices or communications from customs agents to understand the root cause of the delay.
Handle the highlighted issues quickly, whether by correcting documents, settling outstanding duties, or considering consulting with a customs broker for expert guidance.
A proactive approach and preparation can help minimize such obstacles in the future.
Read also: List of Documents for Heavy Goods and Cargo Shipping
ABC Express Cargo Can Simplify the Customs Clearance Process for Your Shipped Goods
Going through the customs clearance process can be intimidating.
Imagine you place your first large order, ship it internationally, pay several fees – and once it reaches customs, you are told there is a documentation error and your shipment will be delayed.
That is why using international shipping services like ABC Express Cargo can be very helpful for your business.
ABC Express Cargo simplifies the customs process and handles all documentation for you, ensuring your documents are accurate and compliant.
From classifying products with the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes to delivering shipments to your destination door, ABC Express Cargo is there every step of the way, ensuring a smooth customs clearance process for your shipment.
ABC Express Cargo's knowledge of international compliance regulations and best practices, combined with an extensive global network, means your goods are shipped optimally for efficient processing.
