Customs Clearance – Made Simple

If you are importing or exporting goods from Nepal, customs clearance is a step you cannot skip. Whether you choose air, land or sea freight, you need:

  • Export clearance — before your goods leave Nepal
  • Import clearance — before your goods can be delivered to you in the destination country

Customs clearance can be tricky, especially because each country has its own rules. This guide explains the basics and shows how Shippers Bay can make the process easy for you.

What is Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance means getting permission from a country’s customs authority to send goods out (export) or bring goods in (import).

For exports, you need clearance before the goods leave Nepal. For imports, customs officials check your shipment, calculate any taxes or duties, and decide if the goods can enter.

When Do You Need Customs Clearance?

You need it for almost all international shipments by land, air, or sea.
Exceptions:

  • Small shipments may be exempt (e.g., goods under a certain value limit)
  • Some trade agreements between countries allow goods to move without clearance

In Nepal, most commercial shipments must go through customs clearance.

Documents You’ll Usually Need

You’ll usually need these five key documents:

  1. Commercial Invoice — Proof of sale from seller to buyer.
    • Includes invoice number/date, description of goods, HS code, prices, seller/buyer info, and agreed Incoterms.
  2. Packing List — Detailed list of shipment contents.
    • Includes package type, quantity, dimensions, weights, and package marks (like container and seal numbers).
  3. Certificate of Origin — States where the goods were made or produced.
    • Needed for certain products or to claim reduced duty under trade agreements.
  4. Letter of Credit or Payment Terms — Explains how the seller will be paid.
    • Could be a bank letter of credit, advance payment, open account, or documentary collection.
  5. Bill of Lading (Sea) or Airway Bill (Air) — ssued by the carrier as proof of cargo acceptance and shipment details.

Other possible documents:

  • Import/export licenses
  • Inspection certificates
  • Dangerous goods declaration
  • Special permits (for restricted items)

Who Handles Customs Clearance?

In most cases:

  • The importer or exporter handles export clearance.
  • Only licensed customs brokers can submit customs documents and complete the process.

With Shippers Bay:

  • We have experienced customs agents in Nepal and partner brokers worldwide.
  • We prepare and submit your documents.
  • We make sure duties and taxes are correctly calculated and paid.

Costs Involved

Customs clearance costs generally include:

  1. Brokerage/clearance fees — Paid to the customs broker.
  2. Duties and taxes — Paid to customs authorities based on the type and value of goods.
  3. Inspection fees — If customs decide to physically check your goods.

Our team will give you a clear estimate before shipping so you’re never surprised by hidden costs.

How Long Does It Take?

  • If all documents are ready, clearance can be done in 24–48 hours.
  • Delays happen if documents are missing or if goods are selected for inspection.

With Shippers Bay’s preparation and guidance, we help you avoid delays and extra storage charges.

Can You Do Customs Clearance Yourself?

No — in Nepal, only licensed customs agents can process shipments. That’s why using an experienced freight forwarder like Shippers Bay is the safest and fastest way.

How Shippers Bay Helps You?

  • Prepare all required documents
  • File customs entries quickly
  • Coordinate with customs officials
  • Calculate and manage duties/taxes
  • Provide real-time shipment tracking

Whether you are importing goods into Nepal or exporting to another country, we handle the paperwork and process so you can focus on your business.

Contact us today to make your customs clearance smooth, fast, and hassle-free.