Customs
Customs clearance: what it is and how it works for e-commerce
Customs clearance is the procedure by which the destination country's customs authorises a parcel's entry, after reviewing its declaration, classifying it and assessing the applicable taxes.
For e-commerce, most countries have simplified regimes that clear low-value parcels with a summary declaration within hours. Higher-value parcels or regulated products go through general clearance.
Clearance is done by a customs broker or by the operator itself if licensed. What delays it most is incomplete data: value, contents, buyer ID.
Shipping with MailAmericas
How Customs clearance works in our operation
MailAmericas runs integrated customs clearance in its destinations. The seller does not hire a separate customs broker: integrated customs is part of the cross-border shipment.
Request a quoteFrequently asked question
Who handles customs clearance for my shipment?
MailAmericas, as part of the service. The seller only needs to make sure the declaration of contents and value is correct.