In the world of international trade, time is synonymous with money. Any delay can lead to high storage costs, lost business opportunities or even compromised commitments with clients. That's why understanding how to speed up customs clearance of goods has become a priority for companies operating in import or export in Brazil.
Customs clearance is a technical and bureaucratic process that requires knowledge, organization and planning. The good news is that, with the right strategies and the support of specialists, it is possible to speed up this stage without sacrificing legal security or compliance with tax and health regulations.
In this complete content, we'll show you which factors have the greatest impact on release times and which practices help make this process more agile, reliable and predictable for your operation.
What is Customs Clearance of Goods?
A customs clearance of goods is the set of procedures carried out by the Federal Revenue Service and other consenting bodies to authorize the entry or exit of products from national territory. This stage involves customs clearance, document checking, physical inspections (when necessary) and tax collection.
Only once the goods have been cleared can they proceed to their final destination, be it an industrial plant, a distribution center or directly to the consumer.
Why Can Customs Clearance Be Delayed?
There are several factors that can have an impact on the time it takes to clear goods through customs. Among the main ones are:
- Incomplete or faulty documentation
- Lack of specific licenses required by regulatory bodies
- Incorrect tax classification
- Problems with Radar clearance
- Additional requirements from the IRS or Anvisa, Mapa, Inmetro and Ibama
- Excess cargo in bonded areas (congestion)
- Inexperience or disorganization on the part of the importer
Avoiding these critical points is the first step to speeding up the process. And this involves planning, attention to detail and the involvement of qualified professionals.
How to speed up customs clearance of goods?
Now that you understand the main bottlenecks, it's time to learn about the practical actions that can make all the difference to your day-to-day logistics.
1. Prepare the documentation in advance
The basis of rapid clearance is document organization. All cargo must be accompanied by complete and error-free documents, such as:
- Import Declaration (DI) or DUIMP
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading (BL, AWB or CRT)
- Packing list
- Proof of tax payment
- Licenses (where applicable)
By preparing everything in advance, you reduce analysis time and avoid notifications from the IRS that could delay clearance.
2. Use the Green Channel Whenever Possible
The Receita Federal system classifies import operations into different conference channels: green, yellow, red and gray. The green channel is the most agile, as it does not require physical and documentary checks.
To increase your chances of being released into the green channel:
- Keep a history of regular operations
- Avoid sudden changes of supplier or product
- Have a good tax and customs reputation
- Use special regimes with recognized compliance
3. Correctly classify goods
The NCM (Mercosur Common Nomenclature) is the code that defines the tax category of goods and determines the tax and administrative treatment they will receive.
Incorrect classifications can result in demands for additional documents, withholding of cargo and penalties. That's why you can count on expert support to ensure the correct tax classification of your products.
4. Adopt the AEO Program (Authorized Economic Operator)
Companies that join the AEO Program have advantages in customs clearance, such as:
- Reducing requirements
- Priority treatment in inspections
- Lower incidence of physical inspections
- Faster release on red and gray channels
This IRS program is aimed at companies that demonstrate a high degree of compliance and control in their logistics and tax processes. It's worth investing in this certification.
5. Monitor the Process in Real Time
Follow in real time every stage of the customs clearance of goods allows agile decisions to be made and any deviations to be corrected while the process is still underway.
Use logistics tracking tools, integration with Siscomex and customs management systems to have total control over your operation.
6. Plan your shipping schedule
Many importers ignore the seasonality of the customs network. Long holidays, periods of high demand (such as the end of the year) and civil service strikes can have a direct impact on clearance times.
That's why having a well-planned departure schedule, with strategically defined arrival dates, helps to avoid queues and congestion at ports and airports.
7. Count on a Company Specialized in Foreign Trade
Even with all these precautions, nothing replaces the experience of those who work in this process on a daily basis. A company specializing in import and export offers technical know-how, agility in solving problems and in-depth knowledge of legal requirements.
The Importance of a Specialized Import and Export Company
A specialized company acts as a strategic partner from the start of the import process. Its duties include:
- Analysis and tax classification of goods
- Document checking and organization
- Obtaining special licenses and registrations
- Interface with the Federal Revenue Service and consenting bodies
- Monitoring customs clearance
- Resolving pending issues and release requirements
With an experienced team, customs clearance becomes faster, more predictable and safer, allowing your company to focus on operations and business growth.
More Agility, Less Bureaucracy and More Efficiency
Know how to speed up customs clearance of goods is more than a logistical advantage. It's a competitive advantage. Companies that operate efficiently in this process save time, reduce costs and keep their supply chain flowing safely and predictably.
With planning, organization and expert support, your company can turn the challenge of customs clearance into an efficient routine integrated into your international growth strategy.
