Customs Clearance for Cargo from China

We handle your cargo from China turnkey — from document verification and customs payment calculation to release and terminal pick-up. You clear the goods directly, without a customs broker, while we advise and manage the entire process. One contract, one person responsible.

Get a clearance cost estimate

Send us your cargo details — we will calculate customs payments and clearance cost. Sample calculation

Advantages

Upfront payment calculation

Duty, VAT, fees and HS code — calculated before your cargo ships.

Without a broker

Direct clearance on behalf of your company; we advise and manage the process.

Document check before shipment

Consistent data across all documents, no grounds for inspection.

We work on weekends

We meet your cargo and process it when it arrives (which is often on weekends).

No cargo downtime

Fast release and terminal pick-up, saving on storage costs.

Legal support

We defend your interests before customs with confidence.

Where it all begins

The process starts with document verification and cost assessment. The client sends cargo and value details — we calculate the import customs payments: import duty, customs fee and VAT. The calculation includes the cost of transportation to the border: under the Customs Code, it is part of the customs value of the goods, and duty and VAT are levied on the customs value. We select the HS code, calculate duty, VAT and fees, and check non-tariff regulation measures — whether a declaration or certificate of conformity is required. If a permit document is needed and the client does not have one, we arrange it. We send the forwarding instructions and a sample calculation so that the cost breakdown is clear.

Why documents matter at the shipping stage

For us, customs clearance begins at the export stage in the country of origin. We verify the invoice, contract, packing list, export declaration and transport document. Data across all documents must be consistent: gross weight, value, models, goods description, number of packages. If data differs — for example, the weight in the export declaration, bill of lading and packing list differs by even a few kilograms — this gives the inspector formal grounds to order an inspection or additional check. Any check means a delay while the cargo sits at the customs terminal, where storage is typically much more expensive. That is why we verify and finalize all documents in advance, before the cargo ships. This is especially important for air, road and rail shipments: the documents travel with the cargo and are stamped at the border.

How clearance works

Calculation and contract. We verify documents, calculate payments, sign the contract and forwarding instructions.
Declaration prepared in advance. By the time the cargo arrives, the customs declaration is fully prepared.
Monitoring arrival at the terminal. We closely track the cargo's arrival at the customs terminal — port, railway station. Transport often arrives on weekends, so we work weekends too. We promptly obtain the cargo accounting document at the terminal — confirmation that the cargo has arrived and is ready for clearance.
Filing the declaration. Documents that arrived with the cargo are attached to the declaration, control values are verified, and the declaration is filed.
Release. Typically the declaration is released within 4 hours if no inspection is ordered. If an inspection is ordered — we promptly prepare documents and respond to requests.
Pick-up. We immediately coordinate cargo receipt with you; the pick-up truck is ready in advance, and we collect the cargo as soon as possible (on weekends if needed) to minimize terminal storage.
Completion. The declaration is sent to you, the cycle is closed.

Our principle: cargo should not sit idle — it should keep moving. We monitor every stage so that any change in documents is promptly reflected in the clearance process.

Pricing and what affects it

A benchmark for clearance cost is approximately 9,000–10,000 rubles per declaration (first page), covering about 10–20 goods items. Each additional item costs approximately 200–250 rubles. Complexity and cost increase with multi-item declarations. We provide an exact calculation of customs payments and clearance cost for your specific cargo. (Rates and duties depend on the HS code and customs value.)

How it differs from a broker

By law, a company has the right to clear its own goods directly and is not required to engage a customs representative (broker). We help make this happen: we advise and manage the process so that clearance is carried out on behalf of your company — clearance is possible under a machine-readable power of attorney (MPoA) issued by the client.

The key difference. A broker is registered with the Federal Customs Service and maintains substantial financial security, depends on customs decisions and risks its status — so it often plays it safe: requests unnecessary documents, denial letters, and is more cautious in disputes with customs. With direct clearance, the risks are on the company itself, and the only concern is unlawful adjustments, which can be appealed, including in court. This allows you to act with more confidence and defend your interests more boldly, without worrying about someone else's license and their flow of other cargo. Plus legal support on our side.

Questions and answers

Yes. The law allows self-directed customs clearance — a company is not required to engage a customs representative. We advise and manage the process; clearance is carried out directly on behalf of your company. More details in our Q&A section.

Import duty, customs fee and VAT. These are calculated based on the customs value, which includes the cost of transportation to the Customs Union border.

It depends on the product (non-tariff regulation measures). We check by HS code; if a permit document is needed and you do not have one, we can help arrange it — preliminary classification rulings and product certification.

Typically about 4 hours if no inspection is ordered. If an inspection is ordered — we promptly prepare documents and respond to customs requests.

Data across all documents must match. Any discrepancy is formal grounds for an inspection, which means delays and expensive terminal storage. That is why we verify documents in advance.

Yes. Cargo often arrives at the terminal on weekends, and we meet it and process it so as not to lose time.

The number of items in the declaration (multi-item declarations are more complex), the cargo category and whether certification or a declaration of conformity is required.

Why Trinity Shipping

Everything turnkey under one contract: logistics, customs clearance, certification, legal support and delivery to your warehouse.
Upfront payment calculation and document verification — clearance proceeds without unnecessary delays.
We work every day, including weekends, and meet cargo when it arrives.
The owner personally handles clearance; expertise in equipment, electronics and textile cargo (fabrics, yarn, cotton).
In the market since 2015, over 15 years of foreign trade experience. One person responsible for the entire process.
The principle of "cargo always in motion": we control every stage to prevent downtime and unnecessary costs.

Case study

HS code: we helped a client with correct HS code selection and clearance — without overpayments or delays. Read more →