Let's talk about such a burning topic for many businessmen as customs clearance of imported goods. Putting aside the dry official language, this is a process that you need to go through in order to legally "carry" your cargo across the border and start working with it here in Ukraine. In fact, this is a dialogue between you and the state, represented by the customs authorities, where you report.: what are you carrying, how much does it cost, and honestly pay all the required fees.
To figure it out on the fly, without having specialized experience, is an almost heroic task. That is why many companies, especially those that are just starting to enter the international market, prefer not to plunge into these wilds with their heads, but rather entrust the process to professionals.
Detailed article about customs clearance of imports on the customs broker's website
What does this process consist of? Let's take it one step at a time.
It doesn't start at the border, but much earlier. We start with the contract and this is the foundation, and if there are errors or inaccuracies in it, the entire subsequent structure may collapse.
Next, you need to understand exactly which mode your product falls under. This is not a universal story, different product categories have different rules of the game.
The next stage is the accreditation of your company at customs. It's like getting a pass to a closed club: you collect a package of documents, confirm that you are a bona fide participant in foreign economic activity, and receive your "ticket".
Perhaps one of the most crucial points is the classification of the product. The amount you pay directly depends on which code is assigned to your cargo. Making a mistake at this stage means either overpaying (which is unpleasant) or underpaying (which is fraught with serious sanctions later). All customs payments are calculated based on the code.
At the same time, you solve logistical issues: find a carrier who will deliver the cargo to the desired checkpoint, and conclude a contract with him.
And only when all this preparatory work is done, the direct declaration begins: a preliminary declaration is submitted, all calculated payments are paid, and finally, the main document, the customs declaration, is drawn up.
Now about the money. What do you need to be financially prepared for?
When they talk about the cost of customs clearance, they usually mean three main types of payments:
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Customs duty. Its size is directly linked to the same UKT code of foreign economic activity and the cost of the product. The percentage varies for different products.
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Excise tax. It's not for everyone, but only for certain "fun" categories of goods, like alcohol, tobacco, or cars with a lot of
