Last reviewed: August 28, 2026
Final clearance means the permanent release of goods from customs after full payment of import duty. Temporary clearance is for goods that will later be re-exported, such as exhibition goods or project machinery, and is usually done by depositing a customs guarantee instead of a cash payment.
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Customs Clearance Fundamentals
Terms every importer should understand, even without customs expertise
The world of customs clearance is full of specialized terms that can be confusing for a first-time importer. On this page, we've explained the most important core concepts in simple, practical terms — without you needing to become a customs expert yourself.
Customs Declaration
The official document that the importer or their representative (customs broker) submits to customs to declare the specifications, value, and tariff code of the goods; the primary basis for calculating customs duties.
HS Code / Tariff Code
The international product classification code that determines the import duty rate and regulations for each product — you can search your product's code and rate in our tariff bank.
Customs Value (CIF)
The basis for calculating import duty; includes the value of the goods plus international freight and insurance to the destination country's customs border.
Import Duty
The total of customs duty and commercial profit, calculated as a set percentage from the tariff schedule applied to the customs value of the goods — estimate it with our customs duty calculator.
Business Card (Trade License)
The license every individual or company must obtain from the chamber of commerce to officially conduct import or export activity.
Order Registration
A pre-import step carried out on the Comprehensive Trade System, during which the need for any specific permits (if applicable) is checked.
Customs Permit (Green Permit)
The final document issued by customs after full payment of duties, authorizing the final release of the goods from customs.
Final Clearance vs. Temporary Clearance
Final clearance means the permanent release of goods after full payment of duties; temporary clearance is for goods that will later be re-exported, such as exhibition goods or project machinery.
Customs Warehouse
The location where goods are held under customs supervision until clearance is complete; extended storage usually incurs warehousing and demurrage fees.
Customs Valuation Officer
The official responsible for reviewing and confirming the declared value, verifying the tariff code, and, if needed, physically inspecting the goods before the permit is issued.
Misdeclaration Penalty
The penalty customs imposes for an incorrect declaration (intentional or accidental) of a product's value, weight, or type — accurate classification from the outset reduces this risk.
Customs Guarantee
A financial guarantee (bank or insurance-backed) that, in certain cases such as temporary clearance, is deposited with customs instead of a cash payment of duties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Customs Clearance
What is the difference between final and temporary clearance? +
Final clearance means the permanent release of goods from customs after full payment of import duty. Temporary clearance is for goods that will later be re-exported, such as exhibition goods or project machinery, and is usually done by depositing a customs guarantee instead of a cash payment.
Who prepares the customs declaration? +
The declaration is usually prepared and submitted to customs by the importer or their legal representative (a licensed customs broker). This document is the primary basis for calculating customs duties, so accuracy matters greatly.
What happens if the tariff code is declared incorrectly? +
An incorrect declaration of the tariff code, value, or type of goods is subject to a misdeclaration penalty. Accurate classification from the start — by checking the correct HS code in our tariff bank or with an expert — is the best way to prevent this risk.
When is the customs permit (green permit) issued? +
The customs permit is issued after the declaration is completed, the customs valuation officer confirms it, and duties are paid in full; this document authorizes the final release of the goods from customs.
Do I have to use a customs broker, or can I clear goods myself? +
In many cases direct filing is possible, but due to the complexity of procedures, documentation, and the risk of misdeclaration penalties, most importers prefer to hand this process to a licensed customs broker to reduce both time and the risk of costly mistakes.
Don't Want to Deal With These Steps Yourself?
MYTARKHISKAR manages every one of these steps for you, from declaration to green permit