Customs clearance of express shipments: how does it work?

The agility of express shipments and their challenges in importing

International trade is experiencing a new rhythm. The demand for speed and efficiency has grown with the advance of e-commerce, imports through marketplaces and the lean operations of small and medium-sized companies. In this scenario, the customs clearance of express consignments has become an increasingly popular alternative for those who need to import quickly, without going through the traditional process of consolidated cargo.

While express shipments offer fast delivery and less bureaucracy in transport, they also require extra attention in the process of nationalizing goods. Knowing how customs clearance of express consignments is essential to avoid errors, reduce costs and ensure that the cargo reaches its final destination legally and on time.

What are express shipments?

Before understanding the customs clearance, It is important to define what characterizes an express shipment. This is a type of international shipment carried out by companies specializing in express transport, usually by air, with a focus on agility, traceability and door-to-door delivery.

These shipments are widely used for small orders, high value-added products, urgent spare parts and lightweight items. They go through specific customs channels at airports and, because of their agility, follow different procedures to conventional shipments.

How does customs clearance of express shipments work?

O customs clearance of express consignments takes place within a simplified but rigorous system run by the Federal Revenue Service. The cargo is analyzed as soon as it arrives in Brazil, undergoing a screening process that defines the conference channel (green, yellow or red), similar to what happens with traditional imports.

The aim is to check that the goods comply with Brazilian foreign trade regulations, including tax classification, import licensing (where necessary), customs value, origin and documentation.

Stages of the dispatch process

The dispatch of an express shipment usually goes through four main stages:

1. Registration of the simplified import declaration (DRE or DUIMP)

As soon as the cargo arrives in the country, the express transport company files a simplified declaration with the IRS. This declaration includes the importer's details, the value of the goods, the description and the NCM code.

2. IRS analysis

The IRS, through its electronic system, automatically analyzes the information declared and defines the conference channel. In the green channel, the cargo is released automatically. In the yellow or red channel, it will be subject to a documentary or physical check.

3. Payment of taxes

As soon as clearance is authorized, the importer (or the company responsible) pays the taxes due. Under the simplified regime, it is common for taxes to be charged as a single sum, but this can vary depending on the type and value of the goods.

4. Delivery of goods

With taxes paid and clearance authorized, the shipment is released for final delivery, which can take place at the importer's address within a few days of landing.

Advantages and precautions of express shipping

The main benefit of customs clearance of express consignments is agility. In traditional operations, the process can take weeks. With express shipments, many loads are released within 24 or 48 hours, depending on the conference channel and the documentation presented.

However, this speed is only guaranteed when everything is done correctly. Incomplete documentation, errors in tax classification, omission of information or discrepancies in declared values can lead to cargo being held up, fines and delays.

In addition, some goods require specific import licenses, such as products with electronic components, food, cosmetics, toys and medicines. Even if the shipment is express, the technical rules still apply and must be respected.

Limits and rules of the simplified regime

O customs clearance of express consignments falls under the simplified import regime, which has its own rules. Among the main points to watch out for are:

Limit amount per shipment: generally up to US$ 3,000
Restriction on certain products subject to sanitary or environmental control
Importers need to register with Siscomex in some situations
Unified tax collection to simplify the process

It is important to remember that the limit value does not exclude the duty to correctly inform the details of the goods, nor does it exempt the importer from presenting the documentation required by the authorities.

Customs clearance and automated inspection

With the digitalization of foreign trade systems, the Federal Revenue Service now uses automated criteria to define the degree of risk of each shipment. This means that even if the process is simplified, it is no less rigorous.

Any discrepancy or indication of tax fraud can result in the application of the red channel, which leads to physical inspection of the goods and can compromise the expected speed. This is why the correct completion of the declaration, the right choice of NCM and transparency in the information are fundamental.

The importance of having a specialized import-export company

Although the customs clearance of express consignments is more agile, it still requires technical knowledge, practical experience and attention to detail. For this reason, relying on the support of a import-export company specialized makes all the difference.

This company monitors all stages of the process, ensuring that the declaration is made correctly, that taxes are paid on time and that any licenses are arranged in advance. This avoids surprises, protects the importer from fines and ensures that delivery takes place in the shortest possible time.

In addition, a specialized company is prepared to deal with different types of products, understand the legal requirements for each category and negotiate with logistics operators to guarantee the best freight and clearance conditions.

How an import-export company can help

One import-export company can act from the beginning of the process, advising on the choice of the appropriate modal until the customs clearance is completed. In the specific case of customs clearance of express consignments, she offers: