Customs clearance in Ukraine: every procedure, every customs post, within 48 hours
Smart Routes has its own customs brokerage department. We clear cargo under every customs procedure — import, export, transit, temporary admission and re-export — at every customs post in Ukraine. Standard customs clearance takes up to 48 hours.
Whose cargo we clear
Both cargo that we transport ourselves and cargo that the client has brought in with another carrier. In either case we sign a separate customs brokerage agreement.
How long clearance takes
Standard customs clearance takes up to 48 hours.
It can take longer for the following reasons:
- incomplete or inaccurate documents from the client;
- clarification of the commodity code;
- a customs value check;
- obtaining permits;
- a customs inspection;
- submitting the goods for expert examination.
How we shorten the time
We prepare the documents in advance, while the truck is still on the road. A preliminary notification or preliminary declaration is lodged, and once the cargo arrives it becomes the customs declaration.
What we need from the client
- The shipping and commercial documents for the cargo.
- Accreditation with Ukrainian customs. If the client does not have it yet, we help obtain it.
Additional services
For a separate fee, we:
- determine the commodity code under the Ukrainian tariff classification (UKTZED) and advise on duty rates before the cargo is dispatched;
- clear goods that require permits and certificates.
What we do not clear
- fuels and lubricants;
- bulk liquid cargo;
- vehicles;
- cargo belonging to private individuals.
Customs warehouse
We have a customs warehouse in Kyiv. Cargo can stay there under customs control (declaration type IM 74) and be cleared when it is actually needed, including in part-lots: duties and taxes are paid when the goods are released.
Two days of storage are included in the clearance fee. After that, storage is charged at the warehouse rates.
If customs disagrees
If customs disputes the customs value or the commodity code, we help the client with the adjustment and appeal process.
How much it costs
The price consists of a fee for the basic declaration, which covers up to four commodity codes, plus a charge for each additional sheet of the customs declaration.
For standard cargo we provide a quote within one working day.
For European shippers and freight forwarders
We work with European shippers and freight forwarders: we receive the cargo in Ukraine and take care of its customs clearance. If the cargo travels on one of our trips, transport and clearance are handled by one company — see our page on milk-run groupage from Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Will you clear cargo delivered by another carrier?
Yes. A separate customs brokerage agreement is signed for this.
At which customs offices do you work?
At every customs post in Ukraine.
How long does clearance take?
Standard clearance takes up to 48 hours.
Can the declaration be prepared in advance?
Yes. While the cargo is in transit, we lodge a preliminary notification or preliminary declaration, which becomes the customs declaration on arrival.
We are not accredited with Ukrainian customs. What should we do?
We will help you obtain accreditation.
Can you determine the commodity code and estimate duties in advance?
Yes, for a separate fee: we determine the code under UKTZED and advise on rates before the cargo is dispatched.
Do you clear goods that require permits or certificates?
Yes, for a separate fee.
What cargo do you not clear?
Fuels and lubricants, bulk liquid cargo, vehicles and cargo belonging to private individuals.
How long can cargo stay in the customs warehouse at no extra charge?
Two days of storage are included in the clearance fee. After that, the warehouse rates apply.
What if customs raises the customs value or changes the commodity code?
We help the client with the adjustment and appeal of such decisions.