EU Customs Clearance

Pre-clearance reduces risk

Professional EU import customs clearance with document pre-review, reducing hold-ups and ensuring smooth entry into Europe.

Why choose this service

  • Document pre-review before shipment
  • Accurate HS code and value declaration guidance
  • Duty and VAT path planning for first-time importers
  • Support for high-value and document-sensitive cargo

Typical transit time

Integrated with your main transport leg

Best suited for

Professional EU import customs clearance with document pre-review, reducing hold-ups and ensuring smooth entry into Europe.

Reference data updated: August 2026

Transit times and service descriptions are planning references, not fixed commitments or live quotations. Actual delivery depends on origin, cargo type, capacity, border handling, customs documents, final address and peak-season conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are usually needed for EU import clearance for goods shipped from China?

Usually prepare a commercial invoice, packing list, transport information, accurate product descriptions, intended use and classification information, and confirm the importer and customs representative. Check EORI registration for the parties' actual customs roles and the applicable tax information. EORI and VAT numbers serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. Some products also require permits, origin evidence or product-compliance documents. The destination customs representative should confirm the checklist for the goods and import procedure. Document review can identify omissions but cannot guarantee no inspection or a fixed release time. This answer concerns the EU, not non-EU destinations such as the UK or Switzerland.

What is the difference between DAP, DDP and door-to-door shipping?

DAP and DDP are Incoterms® 2020 trade rules; door-to-door describes a transport service's scope. Under DAP, the buyer normally handles import clearance and import duties and taxes; under DDP, these obligations normally fall to the seller. Under both rules, delivery at the agreed destination is normally on the arriving vehicle, ready for unloading, rather than unloaded by the seller. Specify the precise delivery point and confirm the importer, local feasibility and freight quote's scope. Choosing DDP does not itself establish the seller's eligibility to complete import formalities in the destination country.