Is customs clearance included in SmartFreight services?

Yes, customs clearance is fully included in ShipNetwork’s SmartFreight international shipping services. As part of our end-to-end freight forwarding capabilities, SmartFreight provides comprehensive customs brokerage support for eCommerce brands shipping goods across borders. This ensures that your international shipments move efficiently through customs checkpoints while staying compliant with import/export regulations.

Navigating international customs requirements can be complex, especially with evolving trade agreements, variable tariffs, and country-specific restrictions. SmartFreight simplifies this process by managing all the necessary documentation and regulatory steps on your behalf. Our logistics experts work with trusted customs brokerage partners to ensure that each shipment is cleared quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively.

Key features of SmartFreight’s customs clearance services include:

• Customs Documentation Management: We prepare and submit all required documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and bills of lading. This eliminates the risk of documentation errors that can delay shipment release.
• Duty Classification & HS Code Accuracy: Our team ensures that your products are correctly classified under Harmonized System (HS) codes, which is essential for determining accurate duties and taxes. Proper classification also helps reduce the risk of audits or fines.
• Tariff Optimization: We help businesses take advantage of preferential trade agreements or tariff relief programs where applicable. This can result in significant cost savings for regular cross-border shipments.
• Import/Export Compliance: SmartFreight tracks and applies regulatory changes in real time to ensure your shipments remain compliant with local laws, customs rules, and embargoes. We also provide advice on restricted items, labeling requirements, and country-specific regulations.
• Broker Coordination: Whether your shipment is arriving via ocean freight, air cargo, or courier service, SmartFreight works directly with customs brokers to coordinate inspections, payments, and release procedures. We ensure that any customs holds or requests are addressed promptly.
• Visibility & Tracking: Clients can track the status of customs clearance in real time via SmartFreight’s logistics portal. You’ll receive proactive notifications on clearance progress and estimated delivery timelines.

SmartFreight’s customs brokerage support is particularly valuable for:

• DTC brands entering international markets for the first time
• B2B suppliers managing multi-country distribution
• Importers dealing with high-value or regulated inventory (e.g., supplements, electronics, cosmetics)

By including customs clearance as part of its international freight solution, ShipNetwork eliminates the common pain points associated with global shipping. Our integrated approach keeps your supply chain moving while protecting your brand from costly regulatory issues.