International trade is becoming increasingly complex, and customs clearance at seaports plays a key role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods. In 2025, when customs regulations are becoming more automated and globalized, knowing the rules of customs clearance is essential to avoid delays, additional costs, and legal issues. In this article, we explain how customs clearance at seaports works, which documents are required, and the benefits of direct clearance at the seaport terminal.

What is customs clearance at the seaport?

Customs clearance at the seaport is a procedure aimed at checking and approving goods entering or leaving the European Union. It is a critical stage in the international supply chain, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, safety, and market protection. For companies importing or exporting goods by sea, the customs process must be efficient to avoid delivery delays and unnecessary costs.

Benefits of customs clearance at the seaport

Choosing direct customs clearance at the seaport, instead of at a traditional customs office, offers several benefits:

• -> Shortened clearance time;
  -> Direct clearance at the seaport terminal allows immediate transportation of goods to their destination, eliminating the need for transport to a distant customs office;
  -> Lower logistical costs;
  -> Avoiding transit costs, businesses can significantly reduce transportation expenses to internal customs offices;
  -> Streamlined procedures;

• Modern IT systems, such as NCTS, used at seaports enable quick and accurate data transfer between customs offices and ports, speeding up the clearance process.

How does customs clearance at the seaport proceed?

Before goods reach their destination, they must go through several stages of the customs process at the seaport. Here are the key steps: 

a) Obtain the container card and DSK number – the first step in clearing containers is obtaining the container card and the simplified declaration number (DSK) in the port system. This document is required to start the customs procedure. 

b) Submit the customs declaration – the importer or their representative (e.g., customs agency) submits the customs declaration, attaching the necessary documents*:

• Commercial invoice
  Packing list
  Bill of lading
  Container card with DSK number 

• *Depending on the type of goods, additional documents may be required, such as certificates of origin or sanitary certificates.

c) Customs inspection and goods control – in the case of a random customs inspection, the container may be removed from the stacking block for inspection. Only after successful verification by customs is the clearance completed. 

d) Export permit – after completing customs clearance, the port system will display the information that the container is authorized for export, meaning the goods can be transported to the destination.

Documentation requirements in 2025

To ensure smooth customs clearance, it is important to remember several key documents:
Commercial invoice – must include detailed information about the goods, their value, country of origin, and details of the sender and recipient.
Packing list – a document describing the contents of the container, necessary to determine how the goods are packed.
Bill of lading – a document confirming the sea transport agreement for the goods.
Additional certificates – for certain goods, such as food or chemicals, additional certificates may be required, such as sanitary or phytosanitary certificates.

Changes in regulations for 2025

In 2025, customs clearance procedures at seaports are becoming more automated. New regulations enable greater use of IT systems to process customs declarations more quickly and accurately. Under the new regulations, importers must submit customs declarations through the ICS2 system, which allows early transmission of information about goods before they arrive in the European Union. This allows customs authorities to review the documentation and start the clearance process before the container arrives at the port.

Tips

To ensure smooth and timely customs clearance at the seaport, follow these guidelines:

– Ensure complete documentation – make sure all required documents are correctly completed and attached to the customs declaration.
– Monitor the clearance status – use available port systems to track the progress of clearance, helping you avoid unexpected delays.
– Use a customs agency’s assistance – professional customs advisors will help you fill out the documents correctly and ensure compliance with regulations.

Need help with customs clearance? 

Contact PKS International CARGO S.A. With the experience and professionalism of our customs agents, we can help you navigate the entire customs clearance process at the seaport, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing the risk of delays. Save time and avoid unnecessary costs with us. If you want to learn how to optimize your customs procedures, get in touch with us now.

Trust PKS International CARGO S.A. experts – your partner for smooth customs clearance!