The question “what is it at customs” most often arises for those who have encountered international mail tracking or are waiting for commercial cargo to arrive. The statuses that appear in tracking often look like a mysterious cipher consisting of abbreviations in English or Russian. Understanding these abbreviations is critical for logisticians and ordinary recipients, as they reflect the real state of affairs with your product.
Customs clearance is a complex bureaucratic process that is regulated by the customs code and a host of by-laws. Each stage of cargo movement is recorded in the information system, generating appropriate marks. Ignorance of the specifics of these designations Often leads to panic, unnecessary calls in support and wrong actions on the part of the sender or recipient.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the main stages of customs, explain the importance of popular statuses and codes, and give recommendations for actions in controversial situations. You will learn to distinguish between standard verification procedures and real-world documentation issues.
Main stages of customs control
The process of crossing the border by goods does not happen instantly. It is divided into several logical stages, each of which has its own time frame and requirements. The first step is always the arrival transport vehicle or container in the customs control area. Until the actual border crossing and registration, the goods are legally considered to be outside the country of destination.
After arrival, the stage begins customs declaration. At this stage, the declarant (owner of the goods or his representative) submits a package of documents confirming the cost, origin and characteristics of the goods. This is where the most common questions arise “what is it in customs” as the system begins to issue statuses on verification of the data submitted.
⚠️ Warning: The storage period of goods in a temporary storage warehouse (TST) is limited. If you do not file a declaration within the statutory time limit (usually before the expiration of the temporary storage period), the goods may be transferred to state ownership or destroyed.
The final stage is the release goods. This is a decision of the customs authority authorizing interested persons to use the goods in accordance with the declared customs procedure. The issue can be conditional or complete, depending on the guarantees and documents provided.
Decoding of popular statuses in tracking
When you enter a track number on a postal or courier service website, the system displays statuses that are broadcast from the customs database. The most frequent request – “what is it at customs” – refers to the status of the customs. Import Customs Processing Or its Russian-language counterpart, “Arrived at the Place of International Exchange.” This means that the cargo is physically in the warehouse of customs and waiting for its turn to be processed.
Another common status is Customs Hold (Detained by customs). That doesn't always mean a problem. This is often a standard sample inspection procedure or request for additional documents. Unlike the status Released (Released), which indicates the successful completion of the procedure, "Hold" requires attention and, possibly, active action.
- 📦 Arrived at Sorting Center The goods have arrived at the sorting center, but have not yet been handed over to customs.
- 🛃 Customs Clearance In Progress - the process of customs clearance is underway, the documents are checked by the inspector.
- ✅ Customs Cleared - Customs clearance was completed successfully, the cargo was transferred to the national postal service.
- 📄 Documents Required Customs requested additional documents (invoice, certificate of conformity).
It is important to understand the difference between “Testing” and “Delay” statuses. Verification is a regular process that can last from several hours to several days. Delay often indicates the identified inconsistencies. The average customs clearance period for postal items is from 1 to 5 working days.However, during periods of peak loads (for example, before the holidays), it can increase.
If the status is not updated for more than 10 days, do not wait automatically. Submit an official appeal to the support service of the postal operator with the requirement to clarify the status of the customs procedure.
Codes of cause of delay and inspection
In the professional environment of logistics and customs clearance, special codes are used to indicate the reason for customs control. Understanding these codes helps you quickly navigate the situation. For example, a code indicating that documentaryThis means that the inspector checks only the paperwork without opening the package.
The more serious procedure is actual customs control. In this case, the vehicle shall be opened, the goods recounted, samples and samples taken. This is done to confirm the declared characteristics and codes of the HS. Errors in the classification of goods is one of the most common causes of delays and additional charges.
| Code/Type of control | Description of procedure | Probability of delay |
|---|---|---|
| DK (Documentary) | Verification of documents submitted exclusively | Low (1-2 days) |
| FC (Factual) | Autopsy, recount, weighing | Average (3-5 days) |
| TC (Customs inspection) | External visual inspection without opening | Low (1 day) |
| Examination | Laboratory analysis of product samples | High (up to 30 days) |
If your cargo is given a status requiring examination, the process can be significantly delayed. This is due to the need to involve third-party laboratories to confirm the composition or properties of the product. Certificates of conformity Declarations of conformity play a crucial role in such cases.
What should I do if I find a discrepancy?
If a discrepancy is found during the actual control (for example, 10 pieces are claimed, and 12 are lying), an act is drawn up. In this case, the goods are delayed until the circumstances are clarified. It is possible to bring to administrative responsibility for incorrect declaration.
Documentation and invoices
The basis of successful customs clearance is properly executed documents. The main question that arises when asking “what is it in customs” in the context of document problems is about invoices. Commercial invoice (Commercial Invoice) is the main document confirming the cost of the goods and the terms of the transaction.
Customs authorities pay special attention to the reliability of this value. Underestimating the price for the sake of lowering duties is a violation that leads to fines and confiscation. The inspectors use price risk databases, and if your price is well below the average market price, the return is automatically checked.
- 📝 Universal Transfer Document (UPD) - mandatory for residents of the Russian Federation when importing.
- 🌍 Certificate of origin - a document confirming the country of manufacture (important for the application of RNP rates).
- 🔒 Licenses and permits - required for dual-use goods, drugs, alcohol.
⚠️ Note: The absence of a seal or signature on the invoice, as well as the presence of corrections not properly certified, is a legal basis for refusing to accept the declaration for registration.
For individuals ordering goods from abroad, the main document often becomes the main document. passport-copy and the order details. However, if the limits of duty-free importation are exceeded (which is 1000 euros and 31 kg for an air passenger, but has its own nuances for postal items), a full declaration with the payment of the duty is required.
☑️ Checking documents before sending
Customs fees and duties
The financial aspect is what most concerns the participants of the foreign trade. Customs duty A payment is a payment that is charged when goods are moved across the border. The amount of duty depends on the code of the HS, the country of origin and the customs value of the goods. In addition to the duty, VAT (20%) and customs duties are almost always paid.
Calculating the customs value is a complex process. If customs does not agree with the declared value, it may apply the method "at the cost of the transaction with identical goods." In this case, the payer will be invoiced for a surcharge. Ignoring the payment requirement leads to a charge of penalties.
For quick payment of duties by individuals, there are now special online services integrated with the sites of postal operators. The recipient receives a notification with reference to the payment. Legal entities are required to open face-account for payment of customs duties and to ensure the availability of funds on it until the date of filing the declaration.
Payment of customs duties must be made before the release of the goods. Without payment confirmation, release is not possible, even if all documents are in order.
Common mistakes in declaring
Why are there delays? Most often the reason lies in the human factor. One of the most common mistakes is the incorrect one. code. Classification of goods requires a deep knowledge of the nomenclature. An error in one digit of the code can change the fee rate from 0% to 15%, which is considered a violation.
The second common mistake is the incomplete description of the goods in the documents. Phrases like “parts”, “electronics” or “clothing” without specifying the composition, model and purpose are unacceptable. The description should allow to uniquely identify the goods. Insufficient detailing This leads to clarification requests and delays.
There are also frequent errors in weight. Customs checks the gross and net weights. A divergence of more than 5% (depending on the type of cargo) can be the reason for weight control and recalculation of the entire container, which entails simple and additional costs for BC services.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How long can the goods be at customs?
The release period of goods upon declaration is 4 hours from the date of registration of the declaration. However, this period may be extended to 10 working days if an examination, request for additional documents or customs inspection is required. For postal items, the deadlines may be longer due to the processing queue.
What if customs requires a payment that is not in the trekking?
Do not pay for anything from links from questionable SMS or letters. The official notification always comes through the personal account on the website of the postal operator or through the official portal of the customs service. Contact email support to confirm your accrual.
Can I take the goods from customs on my own?
For individuals receiving postal items, self-export is usually impossible, since the postal service is the operator of customs procedures. For legal entities that issue goods in their warehouse or svkh, self-export after release is possible, but requires the presence of a throughput system and coordination with the customs post.
What is the risk of an incorrect declaration?
Incorrect declaration (indication of incorrect code, weight, value, quantity) entails administrative liability under the article. 16.2 RF Administrative Code. The fine is from 50% to 200% of the amount of unpaid customs duties with the possible confiscation of goods. At large sums, criminal liability is possible.