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Customs clearance is a mandatory step when importing or exporting goods across national borders. It involves preparing and submitting the required documentation, making declarations, paying taxes and duties, undergoing inspections, and more.
The speed of processing and the ability to avoid delays at the border largely depend on how accurately each stage is handled. For businesses, following regulations and meeting deadlines is crucial — mistakes or oversights can result in fines, cargo being held or seized, and unexpected costs.
To avoid such complications, Dragon Logistics offers professional customs support. We specialize in end-to-end cargo handling from the People’s Republic of China. With deep expertise in international shipping and customs procedures, we know how to make the entire process faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
Methods of transportation
Modern logistics offers several transportation options, each with its own features, benefits, and limitations. The main methods include:
- Road transport – Commonly used for deliveries from Europe and often serves as the final leg of the logistics chain. Key advantages include route flexibility, door-to-door customs clearance, and suitability for multimodal shipping. However, it has limitations in terms of cargo size and weight, and is subject to road and weather conditions.
- Rail transport – A reliable, cost-effective, and well-balanced option. Typical transit time is 20–25 days.
- Air transport – The fastest method, with delivery times ranging from 5 to 14 days. Ideal for perishable, urgent, or high-value shipments. However, it comes with high costs and may require additional documentation.
- Sea freight – A widely used and highly economical solution for transporting goods from China to intermediate warehouses. Best suited for bulk shipments, though transit times can be long—typically 30 to 50 working days.
The right choice depends on your priorities—whether you value speed, cost-efficiency, or reliability. Working with experienced logistics professionals ensures the optimal balance between these factors.
Preparation process
Efficient customs clearance involves a well-organized sequence of steps, including:
- Preparation of customs documents – This process starts with a foreign trade contract with the Chinese supplier. Essential documents include the invoice, packing list, contract, transport documents (such as a bill of lading or CMR), and compliance certificates if required. Having a complete set of documents makes customs verification much smoother.
- Electronic customs declaration – This includes detailed product information such as specifications, declared value, country of origin, and intended use. Correct HS codes must be applied in full compliance with legal requirements.
- Calculation and payment of duties and taxes – These fees typically include import duty, VAT (20%), and excise taxes on specific goods like alcohol or tobacco. All payments must be properly documented to avoid further customs inquiries.
A well-structured preparation process helps minimize risks, delays, and additional costs.
Key customs procedures
Customs inspection of goods follows a specific sequence, beginning when the shipment arrives at the customs facility and is registered in the system. Based on a risk assessment, the cargo is assigned to one of the following “corridors”:
- green corridor – Automatic clearance without further checks. This applies to low-risk, small shipments with complete and correct documentation;
- yellow corridor – On-site document inspection. Customs officers review the declaration, invoice, certificates, and other supporting documents;
- red corridor – Both document examination and physical inspection. Used when there are suspicions or identified risk factors;
- blue corridor – Post-release audit. The cargo is released but may undergo additional checks later.
In the yellow and red corridors, customs officers verify declared details, HS codes, and the presence of required licenses, permits, and certificates. Once clearance is granted, the goods can move freely within Ukraine to their final destination.
Customs clearance is more than a border check — it is a complex administrative process with many nuances. Thorough understanding and strict legal compliance are essential to avoid delays and penalties.
Benefits of partnering with Dragon Logistics
Partnering with Dragon Logistics ensures a smooth and professional path to successful international trade. We provide comprehensive support at every stage — from initial consultation to cargo release in Ukraine and delivery to the final destination. Precision in timing, transparent pricing, and accurate documentation are especially crucial when working with Chinese suppliers.
You don’t need to navigate complex regulations alone — our specialists handle everything for you. Our dedicated team of foreign trade experts manages all cargo types, from small parcels to large consolidated shipments. Regardless of volume, every client receives personalized attention.
On our official website, you can quickly calculate customs clearance costs using our online calculator. It’s convenient, transparent, and saves you valuable time.
We offer not only logistics and transportation but also full legal support. Whether you need a consultation or a comprehensive service package, we’ll tailor the best solution based on your product type and contract terms. With Dragon Logistics, you can expect full compliance, accurate cost calculations, and real-time savings!