"Customs clearance" — the import process explained
The stage where taxes are assessed and paid. Here's how long it takes and how the fees work.
The three steps
1) Entry filing (carrier or broker submits data), 2) Assessment (customs calculates VAT/duties), 3) Release (parcel continues its route). Busy hubs take 1–3 days when nothing is missing.
Who pays what
The recipient pays VAT/duties on arrival unless the platform collected them (IOSS) or the carrier bills the sender (DDP shipping). Carriers add a “handling/advancement fee” of typically €3–15.
Speed it up
Provide the invoice proactively when the carrier asks, prepay taxes from the carrier app if offered, and use platforms with IOSS for orders under €150.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a normal clearance?
1–3 working days when paperwork is complete; 5–15 days if held for inspection.
Can clearance fail?
Yes — prohibited/restricted items or missing licenses get refused and the parcel is returned or destroyed.
Does clearance change my tracking number?
Usually no; some postal systems assign a local number after release. GetPackRoute follows both.
Have a tracking number?
Paste it in the box and see the full route in seconds.