What this guide explains
Customs clearance is not one single action. It is a coordinated process involving shipment documents, an electronic customs declaration, Jordan Customs and—depending on the goods—other regulatory authorities.
The exact route changes according to the commodity, country of origin, freight mode and customs status. Jordan's official Trade Portal therefore separates import procedures by product and by sea, air and land entry.
In 30 seconds
- Check the importer, commodity and approval requirements.
- Prepare commercial and transport documents early.
- Authorize a licensed clearance company where required.
- Register the customs declaration electronically.
- Complete review, inspection and applicable approvals.
- Settle assessed duties, taxes and handling charges.
- Obtain release and the relevant exit permit.
Customs clearance, step by step
Check the shipment before it moves
Identify the goods accurately, confirm the importer information and review whether the commodity requires an importer card, import licence, test report or approval from another authority.
Prepare the shipment documents
Commonly reviewed items include the commercial invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list when available, importer information and authorization to the clearance company.
Register the customs declaration
The clearance company prepares and registers the declaration electronically. Pre-arrival processing can allow declaration work to begin before the goods reach Jordan when the required information is available.
Customs reviews the declaration
Customs checks the declared information, classification, value, origin and applicable treatment. The shipment then proceeds according to its control route and requirements.
Inspection or regulatory review may apply
Some goods require physical inspection, sampling, testing or approval. JSMO and other competent authorities may be involved according to the commodity.
Duties, taxes and applicable fees are settled
The assessment depends on classification, customs value, origin, applicable agreements and customs status. An informal estimate should not be treated as a final assessment.
Release and exit are coordinated
After Customs and any required authority complete their actions, assessed amounts are settled and the required release or exit permit is obtained before delivery or storage.
What commonly slows clearance
- Documents that arrive late or contain inconsistent names, quantities or descriptions
- An unclear or disputed HS classification
- Missing importer registration, licence or product approval
- A shipment arriving before declaration preparation is complete
- Inspection, sampling or laboratory testing required for the commodity
- Delayed authorization, delivery order or original documents
- Differences between the physical cargo and submitted documents
What to send Saif before arrival
If something is missing, send the information currently available. The important step is to identify the gap before arrival.