Ocean Imports

Part 1 | Documentation

To kick off your Ocean import, you will need to provide some basic documentation. Below is a list of mandatory documents, their detailed description, who will provide them to you and when you need to provide them to Clearit. You will be asked to provide some of these documents during the clearance request submission process but don't worry - only the invoice is required to submit your request, the rest can be uploaded to your service ticket under the “shipping documents” tab.

Par 2 | Filling your ISF [24 hours prior to departure]

As mentioned above, the ISF must be filed at least 24 hours prior to the departure of your vessel. By providing the ISF document at least 48 hours prior to departure, you are allowing ample time for Clearit to file this on your behalf.

If your forwarder has indicated they will file the ISF on your behalf, be sure to get confirmation that the ISF has been filed or insist you receive a copy for your broker to file on time.

Part 3 | Commodity & Documentation Review

In order to properly declare your Customs entry, a thorough commodity and documentation review must be performed. The Clearit team will review your submitted documents and advise you via the your service ticket of the following:

If any additional forms or documents are required, your assigned service agent will request them through the service ticket, so be sure to keep an eye out for emails or check in frequently. Because we must be thorough, this stage may take a few days but you will be notified once it is complete

Part 4 | Waiting, invoicing & payment

After the commodity & documentation review has been completed and we have collected all the relevant details, you can sit back and relax. Our team of experienced customs professionals will create your customs declaration and invoice you. If you have placed a credit card on file with us, the charges will automatically be added to your card. If you have opted out, you will receive a copy of the invoice and link for payment.

Please note, Clearit is a COD service and the Customs entry cannot be transmitted to U.S. customs until the invoice has been paid in full.

If you spot an error on your invoice (duties, additional charges, etc.) Don’t panic! Let us know via the service ticket and your assigned agent will be happy to make an amendment for you. Requests for changes can be made instantly within 5 business days of transmission of your customs entry. After that, Clearit must file a formal amendment with U.S. customs which can take up to 90 days to complete.

Part 5 | Arrival Notice [1 week prior to arrival]

Approximately 7-10 days prior to your shipment arriving at port, your freight forwarder will send you a document called the “Arrival Notice”. What is it?

This document should be provided to Clearit as soon as possible. If outstanding charges are indicated on this document and you would like Clearit to facilitate payment on your behalf, please let us know on your service ticket. The invoice attached to your Arrival Notice must be paid to the forwarder/carrier in order for them to release your cargo.

Part 6 | Customs Clearance [5 days prior to arrival]

Approximately 5 days prior to scheduled arrival, Clearit can transmit the entry to U.S. Customs to obtain a Customs Clearance. While the majority of cargo is cleared rather quickly, it is possible to get a rejection or a request for inspection of your cargo. Partner government agencies (PGAs) may request a hold as well depending on the nature of the commodity. Once the cargo is fully released, copies of your customs release will be posted to the service ticket for your records

Part 7 | Warehouse fees

Once your cargo has arrived at port, been off-loaded from the vessel and checked-in to the CFS warehouse, the warehouse itself or forwarder will provide you with an invoice for warehousing fees. These must be paid prior to arranging pick up of your cargo. Clearit can facilitate the payment of these fees by request.

Part 8 | Final Delivery [post-customs release]

Once your cargo has been released by customs and all invoices paid, it will be made available for pick up / Delivery. Should you choose to pick up the cargo yourself, a delivery order (DO) may be required under your name. If delivery is being arranged, the DO would be made out to the trucking company assigned for pick up.

Thank you for taking the time to review the ocean importing process. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out! We look forward to working with you.

**Please note, while mandatory documents are listed, depending on the nature of your cargo, additional documentation and information may be required.