Customs clearance for non-EU import and export
Customs clearance is often the least predictable step in non-EU import and export — we arrange it as an integrated part of the transport plan, not a separate black box.
- Import and export to and from non-EU countries — by air, sea and road
- Coordination with proven customs brokers in cities across Bulgaria
- Preparation of declarations and a check of the document set
- You provide the documents; we run the process through to release
At KG Cargo we treat customs clearance for non-EU import and export as an integrated part of the transport plan. We coordinate with your team and proven customs brokers in Bulgaria so the documents, declarations and responsibilities are clear before the shipment reaches the border — for air, sea and road freight.
When customs clearance is required outside the EU
Since Bulgaria joined the EU, customs processing is required only for import and export to and from non-EU countries, whatever the mode of transport. We arrange it as an add-on service for air freight, ocean freight and road freight to and from non-EU countries. For intra-EU moves no customs processing is needed.
Documents required for import
For correct and timely customs processing, the client provides all the documents customs requires. Customs may request additional documents depending on the nature of the shipment, but you will certainly need the ones listed below.
- The shipper’s invoice
- A packing list
- A certificate of origin — where required for the country or by the tariff code
- The SWIFT for the payment made — matching the data on the invoice or proforma invoice
- The invoice and, where relevant, the proforma invoice the payment was made against
- A dangerous-goods certificate stating the hazard class (if the cargo is classified as dangerous)
- A health certificate (where required)
- A copy of the carrier’s invoice for the transport performed
- The customs tariff code
Documents required for export
- The shipper’s invoice
- A packing list
- A certificate of origin
- A dangerous-goods certificate stating the hazard class (if the cargo is classified as dangerous)
- A manufacturer’s declaration, if the shipper produces the exported goods
- The preceding documents on the declaration
- A health certificate (where required)
- The customs tariff code
You can check the current regulatory framework and the requirements of the Bulgarian Customs Agency on the agency’s official website.
Who determines the tariff code
One thing that regularly causes confusion is the tariff code. Many clients expect the forwarder to determine this code, but that is a mistaken view — classifying the goods is entirely the responsibility of the importer or exporter, not the customs broker. The broker prepares the declaration using only the information the shipper or consignee provides, submits that declaration to customs together with the set of accompanying documents, but takes no part in determining the customs code. From experience we can help our client find their way through the process, but the final decision and the responsibility rest with the client. They know their goods, so it is for them to find which category and which code the goods fall under. For reference we recommend the European Commission’s official TARIC database.
Customs inspections and working with brokers
The customs authorities can require a check of any export or import shipment without being obliged to give a reason or a warning. These checks are the so-called customs inspections and involve physical examination and sometimes the holding of shipments.
Customs processing rests above all on a set of correctly prepared documents, which are submitted so the shipment can be processed and continue on its way to the final consignee.
To handle this part of the route successfully, at KG Cargo we work with competent customs brokers in cities across Bulgaria. Often the right broker proves decisive for this stage of the shipment — our advice is to turn to one, to avoid unnecessary delays and the holding of your cargo.
Importing or exporting outside the EU? Send your shipment details and we’ll prepare the customs process as part of the transport.
Request a quoteCustoms clearance FAQ
How soon will I get a quote?
We get in touch to clarify the details you’ve sent. We prepare a complete, transparent quote with all its terms once we have all the shipment data. For specific cargo (batteries, liquids, food and similar) that requires document checks, and for EXW, DAP and DDP delivery terms, we send the quote once we have all the costs in hand. We handle each shipment as per its specifics, so you get a correct and optimized quote. International logistics is a complex process, and considering every factor and cost sometimes takes time.
Who determines the customs tariff code of the goods?
Classifying the goods is entirely the importer’s or exporter’s responsibility, not the customs broker’s. The broker prepares the declaration from the information the client provides. The forwarder can help you orient yourself from experience, but the final decision stays with the client, who knows their goods. For reference, use the European Commission’s TARIC database.
When is customs clearance required for transport in Bulgaria?
Since Bulgaria joined the EU, customs processing is required only for import and export to and from non-EU countries, whatever the mode of transport (air, sea or road). For intra-EU moves no customs processing is needed.
Can a customs inspection delay a shipment?
Yes. The customs authorities can require a physical check of any import or export shipment without prior notice. These inspections sometimes lead to goods being held. Correctly prepared documents (invoice, packing list, tariff code, certificates where needed) reduce the chance of stops and shorten the release time.
What documents are needed for customs clearance?
For import you usually need the shipper’s invoice, a packing list, a certificate of origin where required, the tariff code, the SWIFT for the payment made, and for dangerous or health-regulated cargo the relevant certificates. For export — invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, tariff code and the preceding documents on the declaration. Customs may request additional documents depending on the nature of the shipment.