Customs Clearance Process - Steps an Exporter Needs to Follow

The customs clearance process has to be undertaken meticulously. Any anomaly in the documents or irregularities in the process can cause delays and unwanted complications. Read this article to learn the steps of the customs clearance process an exporter needs to follow.

Examination of Documents on Arrival of the Cargo at the Port

Once the cargo is delivered to the source port, all the relevant documents have to be submitted to the customs authority. The certificates and documents, including the packing list of items, invoice, letter of credit, and certificate of origin, have to be there. The customs team would verify the documents and inspect the cargo. The documents should not have any discrepancies, which might cause difficulties in customs clearance.

Shipping Bill

After inspection and verification that the cargo is as described in the documents, the customs authority would generate a shipping bill. The shipping bill is the approval from customs that the goods can be exported. The shipping bill has to be handed over to the dock appraiser.

Inspection by the Dock Appraiser

On receiving the shipping bill, the dock appraiser would inspect the cargo and confirm that the items are as described in the document. After affirmation, the dock appraiser would generate export approval. Note that any mismatch or documentary error can be problematic, as the export approval will not be issued. Furthermore, complex customs formalities will be required to resolve the issue.

Cargo Loading

Export approval should be submitted to the steamer agent. The goods would be loaded on the vessel subsequently. After the successful loading and stacking of the cargo in the ship, the authorized officer issues a shipped-on-board certification on the shipping bill. The captain of the cargo ship would issue a mate receipt note that confirms the export of the cargo.

  Export General Manifest

The Export General Manifest has to be submitted to the customs authorities within seven days of the ship's departure. It has to be submitted both in hard copy and online. Do connect with us to know more regarding the Export General Manifest.

Documents Required for Customs Clearance

Knowing the exact document requirements for customs clearance would help you keep them prepared in advance. Running around for documents can impact the process, and the export may get delayed.

• Documents Required for Importing : The following documents are necessary for receiving the cargo that has been imported and customs cleared:

o   Accredited copy of commercial registration

o   Activity Form/Permission for Import

o   Copy of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) affiliation certificate

o   Manufacturer’s certificate

o   Quotation

o   Relevant packing lists

o   Bill of Lading (required for sea and air customs offices)

o   Manifest of shipment

o   Permission from the shipping agent

o   Authorization from the customs clearance authority

o   Good classification and declaration form

o   Restricted goods would require special approvals

o   Cargo and Insurance (CIF) and other relevant fees as per the value of the shipment

• Documents Required for Exporting : You will have to prepare and produce the following documents if you are an exporting company in Oman. Only then can the customs clearance process be completed.

o   Export invoice copy

o   Packing lists of the shipment items

o   Non-Omanis should submit an application obtained from the employer for the export of used items.

o   Form for clearance and classification of documents

o   Restricted goods must obtain approval from the authority in charge.

• Documents Required for Re-Exporting: Specified documents are required for dispatching the cargo to any territory outside the country or to any free zones. The fee for the re-export would be refunded by the authority after confirmation regarding the re-export. The documents required for customs clearance for the re-exporting of goods include:

o  Application for re-exporting

o Manifest of shipment for shipment of the goods via sea or air

o  Invoices

o Checklists for packing

o Copy of imported lists or invoices

o Import declaration, clearance, and classification documents for the goods being re-exported

I hope you got a better idea on the customs clearance process, documents required for exporting and more.

Sohar offers Trusted and Affordable Customs Clearance Services in Oman

Sohar has been extending optimal shipping, logistics, and customs clearance services in Oman for decades. We have specialised professionals to provide optimal support and ensure that the cargo is cleared without difficulty. The seamless and expedited customs clearance would help you maintain consistency in exporting and importing.

The team from Sohar Shipping would prepare all the documents, submit them to the authority, get the inspection done at the earliest if required, complete payments of all the fees, and get the cargo cleared in a quick time. The correctness of documents and compliance with paperwork are crucial factors that determine how easily customs clearance can be done. Professional support from trusted customs clearance agents in Oman is vital in this regard.

A proficient customs clearance firm would relieve you of the stress of undertaking intricate clearance formalities. Our experienced experts would guarantee clearance of cargo in a minimal time, undertaking the latest procedure. 

For affordable customs clearance services, call us now.