Customs Declaration

What is a Customs Declaration?

A customs declaration is a document that shows the lists and detailed description of goods bound for import or export. The customs declaration is mostly submitted by travellers upon arrival or departure, at the border of individual country.

Through customs declaration, the customs authorities control what types of goods or items are imported or being exported. Typical, the control serves two major purposes:

1. For import: to protect the country against harmful or dangerous goods to the economy and environment.
2. For export: to executive orders restricting certain goods to be exported and to take surveillance measures.

Travellers who do not properly declare the goods being imported or exported may be subjected to a fine or confiscation of their goods. In some cases, however, high import duties are levied on certain goods to discourage citizens or businesses from importing them.