Navigate Customs, Without the Complexity
Customs clearing is the highest-risk step in any import or export, errors, missing documents, or wrong HS codes lead to delays, penalties, and additional demurrage costs. Fort & Freight's licensed customs clearing agents have processed thousands of entries across major ports, airports, and inland container depots since our founding.
We handle import, export, transit, re-export, and warehousing entries, including complex multi-regime shipments involving Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Export Processing Zone (EPZ), and bonded warehouse regimes. Our pre-lodgement system means your entry is submitted to customs before the vessel berths, eliminating port delays.
Our Customs Expertise
Import Clearance
Full import declaration, duty and VAT assessment, customs examination coordination, and final release, all managed on your behalf.
Export Clearance
Export documentation (phyto-sanitary, certificate of origin, and applicable regulatory certificates), export entry lodgement, and cargo examination coordination at port or airport.
Transit Declarations
Transit entries for cargo moving to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, and South Sudan, with bond management and sealing.
Duty Optimisation
HS code review and classification to ensure correct duty rates. Assessment of applicable tariff concessions, EAC CET, COMESA, AfCFTA, to minimise legal duty liability.
Duty Drawback
Recover duty paid on goods subsequently exported. We prepare and submit duty drawback claims to customs authorities, a significant cash-flow benefit for exporters who import raw materials.
Regulatory Coordination
Liaison with regulatory authorities for all regulated commodity categories, agro, pharma, veterinary, and environmental goods, we manage the multi-agency process so you don't have to.
Standard Import Document Checklist
| Document | Purpose | Who Provides |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Declares value, price, buyer/seller details | Supplier / Exporter |
| Packing List | Details of packages, weights, and dimensions | Supplier / Exporter |
| Bill of Lading / AWB | Sea or air transport document, title to cargo | Shipping Line / Airline |
| Import Declaration Form | Pre-import registration with customs authority | Fort & Freight (we lodge) |
| Certificate of Origin | Proof of manufacturing country for tariff purposes | Supplier / Chamber of Commerce |
| Export Conformity Certificate | Pre-export verification of conformity (controlled goods) | Approved agent in origin country |
| Customs Entry | Customs import declaration | Fort & Freight (we lodge) |
| Insurance Certificate | Marine or cargo insurance cover | Importer (or Fort & Freight can arrange) |
Customs Clearing, Our Process
Document Collection
We receive your commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading / AWB, and any regulatory certificates. We check for completeness and raise any document queries immediately.
Classification & Entry
We classify the goods under the correct HS code, confirm the applicable duty rate and any concessions, and lodge the import entry with customs (pre-lodgement).
Examination & Assessment
Customs assesses duty and may call for physical examination. We represent you at examination, provide any additional documentation, and manage the process through to release.
Duty Payment & Release
Duty is paid and a release order is issued. We arrange collection from port or ICD and deliver to your premises or our warehouse, your cargo is released same day in most cases.
Customs Clearing, FAQs
Clear Your Next Shipment Faster
Share your cargo details and we'll advise on duty, required documents, and timeline before your goods even ship
Get a Customs Quote Talk to Our Agents