Customs Clearance

Customs Clearance

Turning Complex Regulations into Simple Solutions.

Our Customs Clearance Capabilities

Tariff Classification & HS Codes

GSI Cargo GmbH ensures accurate product classification using the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes to support smooth customs clearance and minimize the risk of unnecessary duties or regulatory delays.

Proper classification is essential for determining applicable tariffs, trade agreements, import/export restrictions, and documentation requirements. Our experienced customs team carefully analyzes product specifications, material composition, and intended use to assign the most precise and compliant HS codes.

By getting it right the first time, we help clients avoid costly reclassifications, clearance delays, and potential penalties, while taking advantage of preferential duty rates where available. Whether you're importing raw materials, finished goods, or complex components, GSI Cargo GmbH provides reliable, compliant classification services that keep your cargo moving and your costs under control.

Fiscal Representation

GSI Cargo GmbH acts on behalf of non-EU businesses to manage VAT obligations and import declarations for goods entering Germany or other EU member states. As your authorized representative, we handle all required formalities, including customs declarations, VAT registration (if applicable), and documentation submission, ensuring full compliance with EU import regulations.

This service is particularly valuable for companies without a physical presence in the EU, allowing you to import goods, clear customs, and distribute within the European market without needing to establish a local entity. Our experienced team ensures that all entries are correctly filed, duties and taxes are accurately assessed, and that your business meets all fiscal and legal requirements.

With GSI Cargo GmbH as your trusted EU partner, you gain seamless market access, reduced administrative burden, and confidence that your cross-border trade is handled efficiently and compliantly.

Import & Export Declarations

GSI Cargo GmbH handles the preparation and electronic submission of all required customs documents through ATLAS, Germany’s official electronic customs processing system. Our experienced customs team ensures that every declaration — whether for imports, exports, or transit procedures — is accurately compiled and transmitted via ATLAS in full compliance with German and EU customs regulations.

By leveraging electronic data exchange, we help streamline the clearance process, reduce paperwork errors, and minimize delays at the border. Whether you’re dealing with standard goods, bonded shipments, or time-sensitive cargo, GSI Cargo GmbH provides a fast, compliant, and reliable customs documentation service — ensuring your freight moves smoothly through regulatory checkpoints.

Intrastat & Statistical Reporting

GSI Cargo GmbH provides comprehensive compliance reporting for goods moving within the European Union, ensuring adherence to all applicable trade, tax, and transport regulations. We handle the accurate preparation and submission of required documentation, including Intrastat declarations, VAT filings, and movement reports, helping businesses stay fully compliant with EU intra-community trade rules.

Our team monitors thresholds, shipment values, and product classifications to ensure that reporting is both timely and precise, reducing the risk of audits, penalties, or delays. Whether you’re a frequent EU trader or managing occasional cross-border shipments, GSI Cargo GmbH supports your operations with transparent, reliable compliance processes that align with both national and EU-wide regulatory frameworks.

With our expertise, your intra-EU logistics remain not only efficient but fully aligned with evolving reporting standards.

Temporary Import & ATA Carnet Handling

Ideal for exhibitions, events, demonstrations, or short-term equipment use, GSI Cargo GmbH provides tailored logistics solutions that match the pace and demands of temporary deployments.

Whether you're transporting display materials for a trade show, staging equipment for a live event, or technical gear for a limited-term project, we manage the entire process — including temporary import/export formalities, time-specific delivery, setup coordination, and return logistics.

Our team ensures that your goods arrive on time, in perfect condition, and fully compliant with local regulations, while also providing secure storage, handling support, and repackaging if needed. With GSI Cargo GmbH, you benefit from a partner who understands the fast-moving nature of event logistics and delivers flexible, reliable support every step of the way.

Customs Consultancy

GSI Cargo GmbH offers expert guidance on preferential origin rules, free trade agreements (FTAs), product-specific restrictions, and the necessary certificates required for international shipments.

Our team helps you leverage trade agreements to reduce or eliminate import duties by ensuring your goods meet the criteria for preferential origin under applicable FTAs. We also assist in determining country-of-origin declarations, supporting documents (like EUR.1 or Certificate of Origin), and navigating the documentation needed to qualify for tariff benefits.

In addition, we provide up-to-date advice on import/export restrictions, such as dual-use goods, banned materials, or regulated items requiring special licenses or approvals. Whether you’re shipping machinery, medical products, chemicals, or consumer goods, we ensure you understand and meet all certificate and regulatory requirements before the cargo moves.

With GSI Cargo GmbH, you gain a knowledgeable partner who helps you maximize compliance, reduce costs, and avoid cross-border disruptions through proactive trade advisory and documentation support.

Seamless Import & Export – We Handle the Paperwork, So You Don’t Have To

Moving goods across borders means dealing with more than just logistics — it means navigating a complex web of customs procedures, regulations, and documentation. At GSI Cargo GmbH, we simplify international trade by managing customs clearance quickly, correctly, and in full compliance with EU and international laws.

End-to-End Logistics Solutions

Focus on your business — we’ll handle the borders.

Fast, reliable clearance – import/export

Reduced risk of delays, fines, or incorrect documentation

End-to-end customs support – even for complex or non-standard cargo

Multilingual service – German, English, and more

Integration with our air, sea, and road services for total logistics control

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover a world of knowledge with GSI Cargo GmbH! We’re dedicated to continuous learning and creating opportunities through engaging YouTube videos, insightful blogs, and interactive web-based learning.
Join us on this exciting journey and let’s grow together with GSI Cargo GmbH!

Common errors include:

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation.

Incorrect HS code classification.

Misstatement of goods’ value or country of origin.

Failure to comply with import regulations and product-specific requirements.
Filing customs documentation before the arrival of goods can expedite the clearance process. Pre-arrival processing allows for potential issues to be addressed early, ensuring that goods can be released promptly upon arrival.
Customs officials may physically inspect the cargo to verify that the contents match the declared information and to check for compliance with regulatory standards. If discrepancies are found, the goods may be detained, and penalties could be imposed.
Non-compliance can result in several outcomes, including:

Detention of goods.

Fines and penalties.

Delay in the release of the shipment.

Possible confiscation of goods in severe cases.
The duration can vary but generally, customs clearance in India can be completed within 24 to 48 hours, provided all documentation is in order and there are no compliance issues. Delays can occur due to inspections, missing documentation, or non-compliance.
Customs duty in India is calculated based on the value of goods, which includes the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). The applicable duty rates are determined by the Harmonized System (HS) code assigned to the products.

Under Indian customs regulations, dangerous goods are substances that pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment. They are classified into nine classes, including explosives, flammable liquids, toxic substances, and corrosives, based on the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Customs regulations must be followed according to the HS code and similar procedures as for other goods. However, the customs clearing agent must be DGR-certified to ensure proper transport arrangements for these goods until their final destination.
Key documents include:

Bill of Entry: Declaration form.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Detailed information on the properties of the dangerous goods.

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): Certification of the shipment’s compliance.

Import License: As required by DGFT.

Certificate of Origin: Specifying the country of origin.

Packing List and Commercial Invoice: Detailed cargo information.

Transport Document: Bill of Lading/Airway Bill.

Approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change: For certain hazardous materials.
The customs duty is calculated based on the classification under the Harmonized System (HS) codes, which consider the type and nature of the dangerous goods. The valuation is typically based on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of the goods.
Perishable goods are items that have a limited shelf life and can deteriorate rapidly if not stored or transported under specific conditions. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products, and flowers.
Key documents include:

Bill of Entry: Declaration form.

Phytosanitary Certificate: For plant products.

Health Certificate: For animal products.

Import Permit: From relevant authorities like FSSAI.

Certificate of Origin: Specifying the country of origin.

Packing List and Commercial Invoice: Detailed cargo information.

Cold Chain Compliance Documentation: Evidence of temperature control during transit.
Perishable goods must be packaged to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage. This includes using insulated containers, refrigeration units, and proper ventilation. Packaging must also comply with international standards and labeling requirements, indicating the nature of the goods and storage instructions.

Customs clearance is the process of preparing and submitting necessary documentation to facilitate the export or import of goods into a country. This ensures that all applicable duties, taxes, and regulations are met before goods can be released from customs control.
For import, key documents include:

Bill of Entry

Airway Bill or Bill of Lading

Import License

Letter of Credit or Purchase Order

Import Export Code (IEC)

Other necessary licenses and certificates

For export, essential documents include:

Customs Declaration

Commercial Invoice

IEC Certificate

Inspection Certificate

Packing List
HS codes are internationally standardized codes used to classify products. They are crucial as they determine the duty rates, regulatory requirements, and admissibility of the goods. Misclassification can lead to penalties and delays.
An Import General Manifest (IGM) is a document filed by the shipping company detailing all the goods being imported on a particular vessel. It must be submitted electronically and includes comprehensive information about the cargo
A Bill of Entry is a legal document filed by importers or customs brokers on behalf of importers in the Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System (ICEDIS). It contains details about the imported goods and the duties and taxes applicable to them. Approval of the Bill of Entry signifies the payment of applicable duties and taxes
Many businesses choose to use customs clearance agents to avoid errors and ensure a smooth process. These agents are experienced in navigating complex customs regulations and can expedite the clearance process.