Customs clearance time and conditions

Traditional sequential customs: truck arrives at the border, paperwork starts, customs reviews, truck waits, release. The truck is idle during paperwork processing.

With all documents complete and no physical inspection or original customs broker signature required, customs clearance takes us at most 3 to 5 hours. Physical inspections and original signatures (phytosanitary inspection, ATA carnet…) are only carried out at the customs office until 13:00.

Our team in Spain files the export declaration as the truck loads — or earlier if paperwork is ready in advance.

The MRN (Movement Reference Number) travels with the truck and can be referenced by destination customs before physical arrival.

With all documents complete and no physical inspection or original customs broker signature required, customs clearance takes us at most 3 to 5 hours. Physical inspections and original signatures (phytosanitary inspection, ATA carnet…) are only carried out at the customs office until 13:00.

Physical inspections and original signatures (phytosanitary inspection, ATA carnet…) are only carried out at the customs office until 13:00.

Missing or incorrect paperwork: pre-lodging surfaces problems earlier, which is good, but if the commercial invoice is wrong, the truck still waits. That's why the exporter-side paperwork check matters.

SPS goods on UK BTOM pathway: health certificates and IPAFFS notifications add steps regardless of how early paperwork is lodged.