Since the development of global trade, countries have different access standards and customs clearance policies.
Understanding the customs clearance policy and product requirements of the destination country is a necessary homework at the beginning of foreign trade quotation, and it is also an important link in the foreign trade chain.
The following is a summary of the core customs clearance policies, necessary requirements and the latest new regulations in 2026 of core trading countries according to the five major sectors of Europe, America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, and Latin America.
1. European Union (EU 27 countries)
The EU implements unified customs clearance rules of the Customs Union. In 2025, the core change will be the full implementation of the ICS2 system, and the customs clearance model will shift to “advance declaration – risk assessment – rapid customs clearance”.
The core declaration requires an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) to be submitted before the goods arrive at the port. The necessary documents include commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc.
AEO certified companies can enjoy centralized customs clearance and other conveniences.
The old ICS1 system will be decommissioned from September 2025, and companies that have not completed testing need to apply for a transition period.
EU customs has strict verification of product compliance.
2. United States
U.S. customs clearance is led by the Customs and Border Protection, superimposed on category supervision by various industry authorities.
The core declaration requires the importer number, and the category has exclusive certification. For example, food needs FDA review, and electronic appliances require FCC certification.
Documents such as commercial invoices are required. Compliant goods can be released quickly, and high-risk goods need to be inspected and tested.
3. Major Countries in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is the core implementation area of RCEP. Customs clearance in various countries is fully electronic, low-value tax exemptions are cancelled, and category supervision is strengthened.
For example, Thailand has canceled the low-value tax-free threshold and mutual recognition of AEO enterprises between China and Thailand; Vietnam declares through an electronic system and calculates tariffs based on CIF prices; Indonesia pre-declares 48 hours before arrival in Hong Kong and strictly cracks down on gray customs clearance; Malaysia taxes taxes in different grades and applies digital declaration.
Southeast Asia generally requires that RCEP certificates of origin meet certain conditions to enjoy tariff reductions.
4. Major countries in the Middle East
Customs clearance in the Middle East is subject to dual constraints of religious culture and strong certification requirements.
SABER certification in Saudi Arabia is the core threshold, and home appliances require energy efficiency certification, etc.; ECAS certification in the United Arab Emirates is upgraded and electronic invoices are mandatory; GOEIC certification in Egypt is required, and documents require certified translation.
The Middle East generally requires the 12-digit HS code to be marked, and certification can be processed on demand.
5. Australia/Canada
Australia and Canada are countries with high inspection rates, strict animal and plant quarantine, and origin labeling and category certification are indispensable.
Australia’s EZZI digital customs clearance has the strictest animal and plant quarantine in the world, with category certification requirements and mandatory labeling of origins. Canada’s declaration is based on authenticity and category certification. Sensitive goods need to be formally declared, and there are additional fees for delivery to remote areas.
Australia and Canada generally require wooden packaging to have IPPC fumigation markings.
6. Representative Latin American Country (Brazil)
Brazilian customs clearance is characterized by high tariffs, many documents, strict inspection, and three-color classification inspection.
Tariffs are calculated based on CIF price, and there is a minimum price.
There are many document requirements and a unique declaration system. The goods must be declared within 90 days of arrival at the port.
Animals and plants require relevant certification, and free trade zone goods require secondary customs clearance.
7. Summary of core differences in customs clearance in each region
Each region has different core regulatory characteristics, necessary core documents/certifications and latest upgrade directions.
For example, the European Union’s unified digital pre-declaration, the United States’ strong supervision by category, etc.
8. General customs clearance compliance recommendations for exports
Verify policies in advance to ensure consistent document information, make use of free trade agreements, choose regular customs clearance agents, and keep documents for future reference.
9. Impact of customs clearance policies and requirements on international trade
Customs clearance policies affect market access thresholds, trade costs, customs clearance efficiency, trade compliance and trade patterns.
Strict supervision can regulate the market, and convenient policies can reduce costs. Foreign trade companies need to accurately grasp the key points of policies to achieve sustainable development.
