Customs clearance in Jordan is a crucial step in global trade. It is an Part of the process is when moving goods across borders for business or shipping cargo. It serves as an integral part of the global supply chain, and if you do not obtain the correct customs clearance and documentation, it can create delays and added costs because of penalties, and may even disrupt the normal flow of your goods. In this guide, we have included the different types of documents, the processes, types of duties, and common challenges related to customs clearance, as well as some of the most commonly asked questions about them.
What is Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance is the process of obtaining approval from customs authorities for goods to enter or leave a country legally. All goods in Jordan, even those exempted from duties, should go through a formal customs declaration process before they are released.
Step-by-Step Customs Clearance Process in Jordan
There is a series of steps involved in the customs clearance process in Jordan. The completion of the process may take around 5-7 working days in the absence of problems or irregularities. These steps are as follows
1. The arrival of the container and its carrier at the port, followed by unloading
2. Customs broker receives delivery authorisation from shipping agent.
3. The customs broker submits the customs value declaration form using the invoices submitted.
4. The customs authorities send a representative to inspect and assess the product.
5. The customs authorities will send a representative to collect a sample from customs, send that sample to the bidder, if required by the bidder, for their acceptance of that commodity.
6. The broker remits customs tax and other fees incurred by customs
7. The customs broker engages a local transport firm and then arranges for the product to be transported through a customs inspection facility before it is removed from the port.
How Long Does Customs Clearance Take?
The time taken for customs clearance in Jordan may vary depending on several factors. However, it typically takes 1-3 days for air freight and 3-7 days to get customs clearance through sea freight. If the shipments are complex, they may take longer.
Common Challenges in Jordan Customs
1. Document Errors
Documentation is one of the crucial aspects of getting customs clearance. If you fail to provide proper and complete documentation, or if there is incorrect documentation (like Invoices and HS Codes), it can delay your shipment or make you bear penalties at the time of customs clearance.
2. Incorrect Value declaration
If the declared value of the goods does not reconcile with market prices, customs can reevaluate it and may even charge additional duties and penalties. It may also lead to a delay in the release of your shipment through customs.
3. Licensing Issues
Some products may require a license or regulatory approvals. If you don’t have these approvals before shipping, it can cause your shipment to be rejected or held up at customs.
4. Physical Inspection Delays
If your shipment is flagged for the “red channel,” your shipment is assigned to undergo a physical inspection. This can significantly increase time to clear customs, depending on the type of cargo you have, the correctness of your documentation and the arrival of the inspector at the location.
Tips for Faster Clearance
- Ensure that all of your documentation (invoices, packing lists, HS codes) is both complete and accurate.
- Find an experienced customs broker who has extensive knowledge about regulations in Jordan.
- Ensure that you are declaring the correct value of your goods so that you don’t get reassessed or fined.
- Find out if your shipment requires any special permits or licenses ahead of time.
- Make sure your goods are properly labelled and packaged to reduce delays due to inspections.
- Work with reliable logistics companies to ensure smooth handling.
- Keep lines of communication open between everyone involved so that you can resolve issues quickly.
Role of Customs Clearance Agents
A professional shipping company in Jordan can provide faster customs clearance and simplify the complexity of importing and exporting goods. Logistics providers have experience with local customs regulations, required documentation, and clearance processes. This means that when shipments arrive, they will be ready for clearance.
The licensed shipping company handles all the critical shipping paperwork, such as invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and electronic declarations of customs, which can significantly reduce the chances of delays in the customs clearance process.
Licensed shipping companies coordinate inspections and communicate directly with the customs authorities to help reduce the amount of time shipments spend in the review channel. Many licensed shipping companies also offer integrated services and have freight forwarders, warehouses, and door-to-door delivery services, which help ensure goods flow from their origins to their destinations without interruption. The expertise of licensed shipping companies also helps businesses avoid incurring fines, misclassifications, and unnecessary fees for storage of goods, while complying with all the laws related to the import and export of goods into and out of Jordan.
By working with a reputable freight forwarders in Jordan, businesses and individuals can benefit from faster clearance; therefore, they can expand their business rather than spend time dealing with clerical/procedural issues.
Find a freight forwarder in Jordan
RightWay Logistics is a reliable freight forwarder in Jordan, managing your shipments from documentation to delivery. We also partner with leading shipping companies to ensure your cargo moves quickly and safely across land, sea, and air. Connect with our team to get a quote today.
