The Significance of Customs
Customs can make or break international trade, regardless of how many cartons or a full container you’re shipping.
A profitable shipment can easily become a logistical nightmare due to customs fees, delays, and documentation errors.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients at Okçun avoid these problems, and we’ll show you how to do the same in this guide.
Anyway, What Are Customs?
The government agency in charge of controlling the flow of goods into and out of a nation is called customs.
They are responsible for enforcing local laws, applying taxes, and safeguarding national interests.
Your shipment must go through customs clearance when it crosses international borders. There, it is examined, taxed, and either allowed entry or denied due to paperwork or fees.
How Do Customs Fees Operate?
When you bring goods into a country, you are required to pay customs duties, also known as import taxes.
Typically, they are computed using:
- The declared value of the items
- Goods type (based on HS code)
- Origin nation
- In certain situations, weight or volume
These taxes must be paid before the release of the goods and are distinct from shipping fees.
Important customs fees that affect your shipment
Don’t forget to include these important customs fees when figuring out how much your shipment will cost in total:
- Import Duty is the main tax that depends on the type and value of the goods.
- VAT or Sales Tax is used in many countries after import duty.
- Customs clearance fees are paid to the customs broker or agency.
- Inspection Fees: these are what you have to pay if customs wants to look at the goods in person.
- Storage and demurrage fees are charged if your goods stay at the port for too long.
These fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re not ready.
Mistakes That Make Your Customs Bill Higher
Don’t make these common (and expensive) mistakes:
- A wrong HS code means the wrong tax rate
- Under-declaring value could lead to fines or delays.
- Missing papers lead to a clearance hold.
- Bad packaging can cause inspections to happen.
- Not checking import rules: some things may be illegal or need a license
How to Figure Out How Much Customs Will Cost Before Shipping
Follow these steps before you ship to avoid any problems:
- Find out your product’s HS code by asking your supplier or freight forwarder.
- Use a calculator for import duties— A lot of customs websites have one.
- Don’t stop at the import duty; add VAT and clearance fees.
- Get written quotes—ask your customs broker for one.
- Check the rules for the destination. Some countries have quotas, licenses, or bans.
Tip: Before you ship, we can help you figure all of this out at Okçun.
How Okçun Simplifies Customs for Your Business
Let’s be real—nobody enjoys getting tangled up in customs paperwork or surprise fees. That’s where Okçun steps in:
- We take care of your documentation. Invoices, certificates, permits—consider it done.
- Tax calculations? We handle those up front, so you know your costs from day one. No last-minute shocks.
- We manage the entire clearance process, start to finish. From Türkiye to your delivery point, we keep it moving.
- Unsure about restricted goods? We’ll point you in the right direction and make sure you stay compliant.
- Whether you’re shipping a handful of boxes or scaling up, our solutions fit businesses of any size.
You don’t need to be a customs expert. You just need a partner who understands the game—and that’s us.
Pro Tips for Smart Shipping
- Always factor customs fees into your pricing. Profit margins matter.
- Work with a logistics partner who knows your market inside out.
- Keep digital and hard copies of every import document. It’s non-negotiable.
- Move fast—storage fees aren’t cheap.
- Start with small shipments, but always keep growth in mind.
Final Thoughts
Customs aren’t out to get you—but you can’t afford to ignore them. For smooth, on-time, cost-effective shipping, pay attention to the rules and fees. Let Okçun handle the complexities, so you can focus on growing your business. Whether you’re shipping one box or a full container load, we’ve got you covered—from Türkiye to your target market.