How Long Does It Usually Take for Imported Vehicles to Clear Customs?

[PeytonFitz]

Generally, customs clearance can be completed within one day. However, if the goods are subject to inspection, the actual time required will depend on the inspection process. Before customs declaration, the containers are placed at the customs-supervised port terminal. Typically, customs declaration can only be initiated after the goods arrive at the port, and shipping can only proceed after customs clearance is granted. The entire customs declaration process consists of three stages: declaration, inspection, and release. The deadline for export goods declaration is 24 hours before loading. For goods not requiring taxation or inspection, customs clearance procedures are completed within one day from the acceptance of the declaration. Below is the detailed process: 1. Declaration: The declaration deadline refers to the legal time limit for the shipper or their agent to declare goods to customs after the goods arrive at the port. The deadline for export goods declaration is 24 hours before loading. For goods not requiring taxation or inspection, customs clearance procedures are completed within one day from the acceptance of the declaration. 2. Inspection: For goods requiring inspection, an inspection notice is issued within one day from the acceptance of the declaration, and the inspection is completed within one day from when the conditions for customs inspection are met. Except for cases requiring tax payment, customs clearance procedures are completed within 4 hours after the inspection is finished. According to the relevant provisions of the "Customs Law," import and export goods are generally subject to tariffs unless otherwise stipulated by the state. Tariffs are levied by customs in accordance with the Customs Import and Export Tariff. For goods requiring taxation, a tax bill is issued within one day from the acceptance of the declaration, and customs clearance procedures are completed within 2 hours after the tax payment is verified. 3. Release: For general export goods, after the shipper or their agent truthfully declares to customs and pays all applicable taxes and fees, customs stamps the "Customs Release" seal on the export shipping order. The shipper of the export goods can then proceed with loading and shipping the goods overseas.