Practical guide
What Is Customs Brokerage and How Does Clearance Work?
Customs brokerage involves preparing declarations, documents and goods information for import or export procedures. The work starts with the product and transaction, before the cargo reaches the port. This guide explains what to prepare and when to seek clarification.
What is customs brokerage?
A customs broker assists in representing the customer before customs: preparing information, checking documents, classifying goods and submitting declarations, according to the agreed service and applicable law. The WCO Customs Brokers Guidelines describe the role and possible services; they do not replace Israeli requirements.
Booking freight and obtaining customs release are separate matters. A shipping line or airline accepting cargo does not establish that all import requirements have been checked. Include customs review in transaction planning from the outset.
Booking freight and obtaining customs release are separate matters. A shipping line or airline accepting cargo does not establish that all import requirements have been checked. Include customs review in transaction planning from the outset.
What does the customs broker need to know?
The review starts with the product: what it is, what it is made of, its intended use, manufacturer and model. The transaction documents, classification and any approval requirements are then examined.
Descriptions such as “parts” or “equipment” may not provide enough information. Supply specifications, a photograph and a model reference, and explain the intended use. A tariff code suggested by the supplier is also subject to review against the actual goods and Israeli requirements.
When to pause: if product identity, use or approval requirements remain unclear, resolve them before committing to dispatch. Shipping earlier does not resolve missing information or documents.
Descriptions such as “parts” or “equipment” may not provide enough information. Supply specifications, a photograph and a model reference, and explain the intended use. A tariff code suggested by the supplier is also subject to review against the actual goods and Israeli requirements.
When to pause: if product identity, use or approval requirements remain unclear, resolve them before committing to dispatch. Shipping earlier does not resolve missing information or documents.
The customs clearance process
01
Collect information
Invoice, packing list, transport document and an accurate description of the goods.
02
Review and classify
Examine the tariff heading, transaction value and additional approvals required.
03
Submit and coordinate
Submit the declaration, respond to requests and coordinate inspection if needed.
04
Clearance and onward transport
Complete payments and approvals, then coordinate transport or delivery.
Common documents to prepare
Prepare the commercial invoice or draft, packing list, a detailed product description and the transport document when available. Origin documents, licences and approvals depend on the product and transaction; no single list covers every shipment.
Compare party names, models, quantities, units and packaging information across documents. Ask the issuer for clarification or a corrected document where there is a discrepancy. Do not amend a supplier’s invoice yourself to match another document. Our commercial import document checklist explains what to collect and when.
Compare party names, models, quantities, units and packaging information across documents. Ask the issuer for clarification or a corrected document where there is a discrepancy. Do not amend a supplier’s invoice yourself to match another document. Our commercial import document checklist explains what to collect and when.
Illustrative example: the invoice says “parts”, but the specifications differ
Suppose an invoice says only “parts”, while the packing list contains several models. Rather than assuming every item is the same, compile a table of model, description, material and use, and ask the supplier for documents reflecting the actual order.
This illustrates why the goods must be identified before classification and requirements are determined. It is not a classification ruling for a particular product. Where clarification is needed, give the specifications to your customs broker before dispatch.
This illustrates why the goods must be identified before classification and requirements are determined. It is not a classification ruling for a particular product. Where clarification is needed, give the specifications to your customs broker before dispatch.
Reading a customs brokerage quotation
Ask for a distinction between brokerage fees, import taxes and third-party charges such as terminal handling, inspection, storage or transport. Not every charge applies to every shipment, and not all amounts are known in advance.
Establish what standard handling includes, when additional work is needed and how you will be informed beforehand. To plan the procedure, contact ELISHAR’s customs brokerage team with the product and transaction details already available.
Establish what standard handling includes, when additional work is needed and how you will be informed beforehand. To plan the procedure, contact ELISHAR’s customs brokerage team with the product and transaction details already available.
Frequently asked questions
What is a customs broker?
A customs broker is a professional authorised to represent customers in customs matters. Licensing and powers depend on the applicable law and procedures.
Who determines the tariff classification?
Classification depends on the goods and the customs tariff rules. The broker assists with classification and documents, while customs authorities have the power to examine and determine classification during the procedure.
Does every import require a licence?
No. Requirements depend on the goods, quantity, use and origin. Some products require a licence, compliance with standards or approval from a competent authority, so check before ordering.
This article provides general information and does not replace a shipment-specific review of the transaction, goods and applicable requirements.
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