Shipping is a component that keeps product-centric businesses moving. With today’s innovative strategies in the shipping industry, transporting goods from different countries has become easier and more organized. However, there are a number of things you need to consider if you want to pass Philippines’ customs clearance smoothly.
Customs clearance involves the preparation of all necessary documents in order to facilitate export and imports in a country. There is no general rule in shipping though; it commonly comprises of assessment and payment of duty. Different countries have varying approaches in handling customs clearance.
Whether you’re doing import or export in the Philippines or any other country, make sure you are prepared and done with the following:
Find a reliable freight forwarder
Time is very important in shipping. So as early as possible, find the freight forwarder you could really rely on. Having a reliable freight forwarder at your side saves you time. There are a lot of these freight forwarders you could trust in the Philippines but look for opinions of clients that already availed of their services.
Load your shipping container properly
…or else, be prepared to be tagged with a red flag by the customs. Finding the right and reliable freight forwarder is just a start; as a shipper, you are responsible for keeping your container in proper condition. Load them properly and include only what you’re supposed to. Improper loading may cause further examination which also means delay in operations. Make sure that there are no unnecessary things in your shipping container.
Provide your freight forwarder with accurate information
You’ll need to entrust them with necessary details, some more personal than others, to get the transaction going. Give them proper details which includes itemized list of shipment, business information and value of cargo. Be transparent in every document you hand-over, it will save you from further investigation and delay.
Also, be mindful of the documentation appropriate to your transaction. Exportation and importation of products requires different set of documents. For exports, you will need to prepare a copy of documents such as Sales Invoice, Shipping Bill, Certificate of Origin and other specified documents required by the buyer. On the other hand, documents such as Bill of Entry, Purchase Order from the Buyer, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Airway Bill and other specified requirements are needed for imports.
Customs clearance is like the traffic in the Philippines: you can’t avoid it. Checking on the shipping containers for smuggled products is one way of protecting the economy and the safety of the people. So responsible business managers, you need to play your part for everybody’s good. Customs clearance’s procedures might vary with different countries but when you mind each and every instruction well, there is no way you can’t be cleared.
Customs clearance involves the preparation of all necessary documents in order to facilitate export and imports in a country. There is no general rule in shipping though; it commonly comprises of assessment and payment of duty. Different countries have varying approaches in handling customs clearance.
Whether you’re doing import or export in the Philippines or any other country, make sure you are prepared and done with the following:
Find a reliable freight forwarder
Time is very important in shipping. So as early as possible, find the freight forwarder you could really rely on. Having a reliable freight forwarder at your side saves you time. There are a lot of these freight forwarders you could trust in the Philippines but look for opinions of clients that already availed of their services.
Load your shipping container properly
…or else, be prepared to be tagged with a red flag by the customs. Finding the right and reliable freight forwarder is just a start; as a shipper, you are responsible for keeping your container in proper condition. Load them properly and include only what you’re supposed to. Improper loading may cause further examination which also means delay in operations. Make sure that there are no unnecessary things in your shipping container.
Provide your freight forwarder with accurate information
You’ll need to entrust them with necessary details, some more personal than others, to get the transaction going. Give them proper details which includes itemized list of shipment, business information and value of cargo. Be transparent in every document you hand-over, it will save you from further investigation and delay.
Also, be mindful of the documentation appropriate to your transaction. Exportation and importation of products requires different set of documents. For exports, you will need to prepare a copy of documents such as Sales Invoice, Shipping Bill, Certificate of Origin and other specified documents required by the buyer. On the other hand, documents such as Bill of Entry, Purchase Order from the Buyer, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Airway Bill and other specified requirements are needed for imports.
Customs clearance is like the traffic in the Philippines: you can’t avoid it. Checking on the shipping containers for smuggled products is one way of protecting the economy and the safety of the people. So responsible business managers, you need to play your part for everybody’s good. Customs clearance’s procedures might vary with different countries but when you mind each and every instruction well, there is no way you can’t be cleared.