Customs clearance services for sea freight

by | Jun 26, 2025 | Blogs, sea freight | 0 comments

customs-clearance-services-for-sea-freight

Customs clearance is not just a routine procedure for the passage of goods. Rather, it has become an essential element for the success of any import or export operation. Customs authorities in every country play a role in protecting local markets from the entry of dangerous or violating products. 

That’s why governments pay great attention to qualifying their personnel and implementing accurate control systems. If you’re looking for a shipping and customs clearance company that knows how to clear your goods without delay or complications, you’ve come to the right place. Dealing with customs requires experience, a precise understanding of the laws, and ongoing monitoring by international shipping companies of any regulatory updates.

customs-clearance-services-for-sea-freight

Shipping and customs clearance services for sea freight at the International Shipping Company

Egypt International Shipping Company provides comprehensive custom clearance services, making it easier for international shipping companies and merchants in Egypt to complete their operations without delay. These services include the following:

  • Completing all required customs procedures.
  • Accurately preparing official documents.
  • Full payment and coordination of customs duties.
  • Organizing cargo loading and unloading operations.
  • Providing support and accurate information on customs laws to avoid any violations.

Reasons for Imposing Taxes on Goods

Governments impose taxes on shipments arriving from abroad for clear reasons, including:

  • To support local products and give them a competitive advantage over imported goods.
  • To regulate the quantities of certain items entering the country as needed.
  • To increase the general budget through customs tax revenues.

The best company for customs clearance.

An international shipping company specializing in custom clearance plays an important role in supporting international trade, especially for companies operating in the import or export sectors. The importance of these services lies in several key points, which we explain below:

Saving time in export and import procedures

The company handles immediate clearance, reducing long waiting times at ports and customs crossings, ensuring the rapid movement of goods without disrupting the delivery schedule, and ensuring strict compliance with customs regulations.

The company monitors local and international legal updates and ensures that all required customs procedures are implemented with complete accuracy to avoid fines or any legal issues.

Reducing Unnecessary Expenses

By properly managing fees and avoiding storage fees, the company helps reduce the additional expenses associated with goods remaining at the port for extended periods.

Simplifying Customs Processing

The company handles all required documents, such as invoices, bills of lading, required certificates, and more, saving the client significant time that would otherwise be wasted following up on paperwork.

Reducing the possibility of delays or loss during clearance

Thanks to its expertise in coordinating operations and accurately tracking shipments, the company reduces the chances of shipments being delayed or lost during the inspection and clearance stages.

Is customs clearance profitable for the company?

Professionally managing customs clearance can be an effective factor in increasing the profits of commercial companies. The faster and more accurate clearance procedures are carried out, the lower storage costs are, and the more goods avoid prolonged delays at ports, which directly reduces expenses. Companies specializing in this field know precisely how to handle customs duties and the details of procedures to minimize them as much as possible. By partnering with a competent customs clearance company in Cairo, such as SSC, companies receive accurate and prompt services.

What are the customs clearance steps?

Upon the arrival of any international shipment, customs authorities begin examining its documents under the supervision of an Egyptian shipping company to ensure they comply with the applicable laws, both in terms of the type of goods and their value. 

The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents reviewed at this step, in addition to a set of steps that are carefully followed to ensure the shipment’s release, including:

Shipment Document Review

A customs officer, under the supervision of an international shipping company, will examine the documents accompanying your shipment, most importantly the commercial invoice. This invoice must include specific details such as the shipper’s name, recipient information, shipping date, bill of lading number, and a clear description of the shipment’s contents, along with its financial value.

Payment of due duties

If taxes and duties have not been paid, customs may require payment before the shipment’s passage. Failure to do so will result in the shipment being delayed until the required financial procedures are completed.

Determining Taxes and Customs Duties

After reviewing the documents, the employee determines whether the shipment is subject to additional taxes or duties. This decision depends on the type of products, the total value, and the tax system of the importing country. If the shipment’s value exceeds the permissible limit, it is checked whether taxes have been paid in advance. This is one of the most important customs clearance procedures.

The Difference Between DDU and DDP

There are two systems used in shipping to determine who is responsible for paying customs duties:

  • DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) indicates that the recipient is responsible for paying taxes upon arrival of the cargo.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Prepaid) means that the seller or shipper has paid the taxes in advance, often through a customs broker affiliated with the carrier for a fixed fee.

Completing the clearance process

After ensuring that all fees have been paid, the shipment is granted transit permission and continues on its way to the specified destination. Frequently, shipping companies, such as International Shipping Company, handle these tasks themselves to facilitate the process for the customer.

How to Choose the Best Custom Clearance Company

When searching for a custom clearance company to professionally manage your shipment, it’s important to rely on clear criteria that ensure you receive accurate, prompt, and hassle-free service. Not everyone working in this field is capable of meeting your requirements efficiently. These are the points to focus on:

  • Choose a company with a reliable reputation in the market and a strong track record of completing accurate clearance procedures.
  • Ensure that the company provides prompt services and adheres to deadlines without delay.
  • Have a team with real experience in understanding customs procedures and accurately handling the required documents.
  • Provide flexible solutions tailored to the nature of your business and your specific needs
Customs clearance costs in Egypt

Prices vary depending on several factors that affect the final calculation. The most important of these factors are the type of shipment and its customs value, in addition to the fees imposed for inspection and examination, and sometimes for storage and handling within ports, as follows:

The Importance of Understanding Fees and Procedures

Each product has a specific customs tariff, based on which the imposed rate is determined. This tariff varies from one product to another depending on the customs classification. Custom clearance includes basic steps such as preparing the required documents, paying the official fees, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions for importing into Egypt.

The role of custom clearance companies in simplifying the task

Having international or Egyptian shipping companies specializing in professional custom clearance helps you navigate all these stages easily and without delay. The company follows up on paperwork, deals directly with customs, and works to reduce the shipment’s holding period. This means avoiding additional fees for delays or storage, saving the merchant significant burdens, and saving time and money.

What are the customs clearance procedures in Egypt?

It begins with submitting the required documents, such as the commercial invoice and bill of lading. The goods are then inspected, customs duties are determined and paid, and the shipment is then officially released with the assistance of international shipping companies in Egypt.

What are the names of customs clearance companies?

The best shipping office or company is the International Shipping Company, one of the best shipping companies in Egypt. Its costs differ depending on the services and type of goods. It is among the cheapest international shipping companies.

How much are customs clearance fees?

Fees are calculated based on the type of goods, their value, and customs classification. There is no fixed value; rather, they vary from one shipment to another according to the approved customs tariff and vary from one international shipping company to another.

Customs clearance services for sea freight at express shipping companies or international shipping companies in Egypt are an essential part of any import or export process through ports. Dealing with a specialized company saves significant time in procedures and reduces the possibility of document errors or shipment delays.

Having an expert entity properly manage your customs file means your goods will arrive on time without unexpected additional costs. Therefore, choosing an international shipping company in Egypt with a reliable customs clearance service is an important step to ensure smooth operations.

Read also: