📦 Customs Clearance: The Complete 2025 Guide to Successful Imports Without Stress
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🗓️ April 2025
SEO keywords: customs clearance, import VAT, TARIC code, EORI, IOSS, customs declaration, international freight forwarder, import from China
🚨 Why customs clearance is crucial for your international business
Importing goods from abroad may seem simple… until your products get stuck in customs .
Poorly prepared customs clearance can lead to:
❌ Logistical delays,
❌ Unexpected costs,
❌ Tax fines,
❌ Poor customer experience.
This comprehensive guide will take you step by step through how to successfully clear customs in 2025 , whether you're importing from China or any other non-EU country. It covers TARIC codes, EORI numbers, VAT declarations, IOSS, freight forwarders... in short, everything a serious importer needs to know.
1. 📊 Identify the correct TARIC code : the basis of all customs clearance
The TARIC code (or customs code) is a 10-digit identifier used in the European Union. It allows you to:
🔎 Determine the customs duties to be paid,
📄 Identify the required documents and standards,
💰 Calculate your cost price including VAT precisely before even placing an order.
💡 Born2Succeed Tip : Use the official TARIC simulator (taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu) to avoid any errors. It's one of the most powerful tools a good importer has.
2. 📑 Prepare a complete documentary pre-alert
A well-prepared logistics pre-alert speeds up customs processing . Here's what it should contain:
- ✅ The commercial invoice with the correct details,
- ✅ The packing list ,
- ✅ CE certificates , conformity reports,
- ✅ The maritime bill of lading (BL) or air bill of lading (LTA),
- ✅ And any product-specific documents (e.g. MSDS for lithium batteries).
🔍 Check compliance with European standards before shipping to avoid any blockages.
3. 🚛 Work with a competent freight forwarder
The freight forwarder (or customs declarant) is your best ally. He:
📤 Submit the declaration in the Delta customs system,
📁 Estimates customs duties and import VAT,
📞 Manages communication with customs.
🎯 Born2Succeed Tip : Work with a freight forwarder specializing in your sector (automotive, high-tech, textiles, cosmetics, etc.).
We can recommend professionals to you based on your supplier package.
4. 🧾 Obtain an EORI number : essential for importing into Europe
The EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is mandatory for any importing company. It is:
- Linked to your VAT number ,
- Used to identify your business to customs ,
- Valid throughout the EU .
🕓 Average time: 24 to 72 hours via the tax services (or via your freight forwarder).
💡 Don't wait until the last minute to ask.
5. 🕵️♂️ Anticipate customs checks (documentary and physical)
Even with all the correct documents, customs may carry out a check :
🔍 On the documents (inconsistency, suspicion of undervaluation),
📦 Or a physical inspection of the package (non-compliant products, absence of CE marking, etc.).
✅ Careful preparation greatly minimizes the risk of immobilization or seizure.
📌 Born2Succeed helps you check in advance that the suppliers you supply comply with European standards.
6. 💶 Calculate and pay VAT and import customs duties
Your customs value = Product price + transport costs (CIF) + insurance.
VAT is calculated on this basis.
💡 By anticipating these amounts, you:
- Control your final cost price ,
- Avoid surprises on arrival,
- Keep healthy margins.
🎯 Include these costs in your first product simulations to avoid selling at a loss.
7. ✅ Obtain customs release authorization
Once the taxes and duties have been paid, customs releases the goods . You can then:
📦 Add it to your inventory,
📦 Redistribute it in your supply chain or deliver it to your customers.
⚠️ If you have poorly prepared one of the previous steps, this release may be slowed down or even blocked .
📌 SEO Bonus: Better manage VAT with OSS / IOSS in e-commerce
🧾 OSS (One Stop Shop)
Allows online sellers to declare VAT in only one EU country , even if they sell in several.
🎯 Convenient for those who deliver to multiple European countries.
💻 IOSS (Import One Stop Shop)
Applicable to sales of <€150 in B2C from abroad (China, for example).
✅ VAT collected upon ordering
✅ No arrival fees for the customer
✅ Smoother and faster delivery
🔐 IOSS clearly improves the customer experience , while ensuring tax compliance.
✅ Conclusion: Anticipate, surround yourself, succeed
International customs clearance cannot be improvised .
To avoid blockages, additional costs and delays, you must:
✅ Know your tax obligations well,
✅ Prepare your documents in advance,
✅ Work with competent partners,
✅ And above all, don't wait until your package is stuck to find out.
🎯 With Born2Succeed, you're off to a good start
Our supplier packs also include practical advice on customs clearance , VAT and logistics.
You save time, gain peace of mind, and increase profitability.
📦 [ Order your pack now ] and avoid the pitfalls of international trade.
🔥 PS Do you have a question about your first import? The Born2Succeed team is here to guide you step by step. Contact us; we're here for you.