Difficulties and Solutions for Customs Clearance of European Air Freight
As one of the main logistics methods connecting China and Europe, the customs clearance process of international air freight often causes headaches for B2B companies and cross-border e-commerce sellers. From China's air freight to Europe, complex regulations to detailed document requirements, customs clearance links often become a key factor restricting logistics efficiency and costs.
Table of Contents
This guide will analyze common challenges and solutions to help companies simplify operations, explore how to deal with the difficulties of customs clearance of international air freight in Europe, and provide practical solutions for companies and sellers.
Analysis of difficulties in customs clearance of international air freight in Europe (and how to overcome them)
Preparation of customs clearance documents
Customs clearance documents are the basis for the smooth customs clearance of goods, but actual operations are often hindered by incomplete documents, incorrect information or inconsistent declarations. Complete and accurate documents are the key to smooth customs clearance. If the customs clearance documents such as invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, quality inspection certificates, etc. are complete, accurate and meet the requirements of European customs, they can enter the customs clearance process smoothly.
Enterprises should ensure that all customs clearance documents are complete, accurate and meet the requirements of European customs. This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, quality inspection certificates, etc. Digital tools and expert supervision can be used to ensure accuracy.
CE certification and product compliance requirements
CE certification is a mandatory EU mark of conformity for certain products, indicating that the product meets the safety, health and environmental protection requirements of the EU market. For electronic products, mechanical equipment, toys and other categories of goods, CE certification is a prerequisite for entering the EU market. Products that have not obtained CE certification may be refused entry by customs and may even face the risk of fines or return.
Before exporting, enterprises should ensure that the products meet the requirements of CE certification and prepare technical documents, including product manuals, test reports, risk assessments, etc. In addition, enterprises are required to designate an authorized representative in the EU to communicate with EU regulators when necessary.
VAT tax declaration and import process
From July 1, 2021, the EU abolished the import VAT tax exemption policy for goods below 22 euros, and all imported goods are subject to VAT. For goods with a value of no more than 150 euros, sellers can choose to collect VAT at the time of sale through the Import One-Stop Service (IOSS) and declare it to the EU tax authorities in a unified manner; if IOSS is not used, VAT will be paid by the consignee at the time of import.
Enterprises need to provide accurate commercial invoices, indicating the HS code, origin, quantity, value and other information of the goods so that customs can correctly assess the tax amount. It should be noted that the accuracy of VAT declaration directly affects the customs clearance efficiency of goods, and incorrect or incomplete declarations may result in delays or fines.
Different regulations among EU countries
VAT rates, product standards and restricted items vary from country to country, complicating compliance work. It is necessary to keep abreast of local laws and correctly classify goods. With years of expertise, Chinadivision can assist you in understanding regulations, obtaining certifications, and providing advice on prohibited items (such as batteries and cosmetics).
Tariffs, taxes and hidden costs
Unexpected tariffs can eat into profit margins and frustrate customers. Use Incoterms (e.g., DDP for delivery to door) to calculate costs upfront and take advantage of trade agreements.
Chinadivision optimizes shipments to meet minimum thresholds, handles VAT through IOSS, and ensures transparent cost breakdowns.
Customs inspections and delays
Customs inspects goods to verify that the declared information matches the actual goods. If there are issues such as misdeclaration and suspected infringement, customs clearance time will be significantly extended. For example, Germany has strict certification requirements for electronic products, France conducts frequent spot checks on textiles, and Eastern European countries have relatively low customs clearance efficiency. If you don’t understand the destination country’s policies in advance, customs clearance may be delayed due to inconsistent documents or unfamiliar processes. Random inspections or incomplete documents can lead to shipment interruptions.
It is necessary to keep detailed records and use real-time tracking to reduce the risk of inspections.
Customs clearance time and cost fluctuations
Customs clearance time is affected by the nature of the goods, document preparation, customs inspections, and holidays. Ordinary goods usually take 1-3 days to clear customs, but when special goods are inspected, the time may be extended to 3-7 days. In addition, additional costs such as tariff calculation errors, storage fees, and fines may significantly increase logistics costs.
Restrictions on sensitive goods and special goods
Sensitive goods such as live products, liquids, powders, and special goods such as food, cosmetics, and medical devices are significantly more difficult to clear due to safety, hygiene, or approval processes. For example, lithium batteries must comply with the packaging specifications of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), food must provide a health inspection certificate, and medical devices must pass the CE certification. Failure to confirm the feasibility of customs clearance in advance may result in the detention or return of goods.
It is crucial to choose experienced freight forwarding companies and customs clearance agents. They can reasonably plan transportation routes, prepare customs clearance documents in advance, and effectively shorten the transit customs clearance time. As a professional international logistics fulfillment service provider, Chinadivision provides comprehensive logistics solutions to ensure that your goods can be delivered quickly and safely to customers around the world.
How should B2B companies and cross-border e-commerce sellers respond?
- Strengthen document preparation and declaration management
Document list verification: Ensure that documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin are complete and accurate.
Declared value compliance: The declared value must be consistent with the actual value to avoid under-declaration or over-declaration.
Professional review: Entrust professional logistics service providers to review documents to reduce the risk of errors.
- Confirm the feasibility of customs clearance for sensitive and special goods in advance
Understand the policy: Understand the customs clearance requirements of the destination country for sensitive and special goods in detail before shipment.
Compliance packaging: Carry out special packaging in accordance with regulations and attach necessary safety inspection reports.
Choose professional services: Cooperate with logistics service providers who are familiar with relevant regulations to ensure compliance with transportation.
- Accurately grasp the customs policies and processes of various countries
Policy research: Understand the customs policies, prohibited goods lists and certification requirements of the destination country in advance.
Process optimization: Develop customs clearance plans with logistics service providers to reduce unnecessary delays.
Risk warning: Pay attention to changes in customs policies and adjust transportation and customs clearance strategies in a timely manner.
- Optimize customs clearance time and cost control
Choose an efficient transportation method: air transport has a fast time, suitable for high-value and urgent orders; sea transport has low cost, suitable for large and heavy goods.
Double-clearance tax package service: the logistics company is responsible for customs clearance, reducing the risk of being detained and avoiding additional taxes and fees.
Full logistics tracking: choose a service that provides real-time tracking to keep track of the goods at any time.
Chinadivision fulfillment service provider solution
As a professional Chinese fulfillment service provider, Chinadivision provides a one-stop European international air customs clearance solution to help companies and sellers clear customs efficiently.
- Professional customs clearance team and rich experience
Team strength: We have experienced customs clearance experts who are familiar with the customs policies and procedures of European countries.
Successful cases: We have provided customs clearance services for many B2B companies and cross-border e-commerce sellers, successfully solving complex problems.
- Customized customs clearance solutions
Demand analysis: Develop personalized customs clearance solutions based on customer needs and goods characteristics.
Document review: Provide document preparation guidance and review services to ensure that the documents are complete and the information is accurate.
Risk assessment: assess customs clearance risks in advance and provide response strategies and suggestions.
- Efficient logistics network and full-process tracking
Logistics network: cooperate with many well-known airlines to provide stable and efficient air transport services.
Full-process tracking: provide real-time logistics tracking services to keep customers informed of cargo dynamics at any time.
Exception handling: quickly respond to customs clearance exceptions, provide solutions and follow up on the results.
- Cost optimization and transparent billing
Double-clearance tax package service: provide double-clearance tax package service to reduce customs clearance risks and additional taxes and fees.
Transparent billing: clarify the composition of various costs, avoid hidden costs, and provide cost optimization suggestions.
Answers to common hot topics
How are air freight tariffs calculated?
Calculated based on product value, HS code and destination country/region. We provide pre-shipment estimates to avoid unexpected situations.
How to avoid the risk of under-declaration?
Make reasonable declarations based on the actual value of the goods to avoid under-declaration or over-declaration. Consult logistics service providers or customs experts for declaration suggestions.
How can sensitive goods be cleared smoothly?
Carry out special packaging in accordance with regulations and attach necessary safety inspection reports. Declare sensitive goods information to the customs in advance and provide detailed explanations and supporting documents.
How to ensure customs clearance timeliness?
Choose efficient transportation methods: Air transportation has fast timeliness and is suitable for urgent orders.
Duty-free customs clearance service: The logistics company is responsible for customs clearance to reduce the risk of delays.
Full tracking: Real-time grasp of the dynamics of goods and timely response to abnormal situations.
How to reduce customs clearance costs?
Reasonable choice of transportation methods: Choose the appropriate transportation method according to the characteristics and needs of the goods.
Duty-free customs clearance service: Avoid additional taxes and storage fees.
Optimize packaging: Reduce unnecessary volume and weight to reduce freight costs.
Why choose to cooperate with Chinadivision?
End-to-end professional services: From documents to last-mile delivery.
Local knowledge of the EU: Offices located in strategic hubs ensure compliance.
Technology-driven: Real-time tracking and customs pre-clearance.
Cost-effective: Optimize tariffs and reduce the risk of fines.
Customs clearance is not a bottleneck. By understanding the challenges and working with an experienced provider like Chinadivision, businesses can focus on growth while ensuring that air freight from China to Europe is fast and compliant. Ready to simplify your cross-border logistics? Contact Chinadivision today for a customized solution - let us handle the complexities for you, so you can expand your business with confidence.
About the Author: Limi
Limi is a content marketing expert at ChinaDivision, helping businesses and e-commerce sellers navigate the complexities of international shipping by providing actionable tips and comprehensive guides on logistics, shipping, and cargo transportation.