Mia Kea and its entities oversee the movement of goods through the customs authority to facilitate the movement of cargo. Our customs clearance procedures invove export clearance from South Africa, and RIT (route-in-transit) across Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Our customs clearance process involves several steps, which may vary depending on the country and the type of goods being imported or exported. Here are some common elements of the customs clearance process:
Documentation: The importer or exporter must provide the necessary documents, such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and any other required permits or licences. These documents provide information about the nature of the goods, their value, and their origin.
Customs Declaration: The importer or exporter needs to complete a customs declaration form that includes details about the goods being imported or exported. This form typically includes information about the goods’ description, quantity, value, country of origin, and the intended use.
Duties and Taxes: Customs authorities assess applicable duties, taxes, and fees based on the customs valuation of the goods. The importer is responsible for paying these charges, which can include customs duties, value-added tax (VAT), excise taxes, and any other applicable fees.
Inspection and Examination: Customs authorities may inspect the goods to verify the accuracy of the declaration, ensure compliance with import/export regulations, and detect any prohibited or restricted items. This can involve physical examination of the goods or the use of scanning technologies.
Risk Assessment: Customs authorities assess the risk associated with the goods, such as evaluating their potential threat to national security, public health, or intellectual property rights. Depending on the risk level, additional scrutiny or specific requirements may be imposed.
Release or Seizure: After completing the customs clearance process and paying any required duties and taxes, the goods are either released to the importer or exporter for further distribution or seized if there are any violations of customs regulations.