The clearing guide
What you need, in what order, to get a box from the ship to your warehouse without paying a day more than necessary.
- Documents
- 8
- Typical clearance
- 3 to 5 days
- Free days
- 3
Your checklist
Tick what you already have. Nothing is saved or sent.
Start before the ship sails from the last port. Your Form M and pre-arrival assessment should be ready before the vessel is due, so duty can be assessed while the box is still at sea.
When the ship berths, the shipping line issues a delivery order once its own charges are paid. Customs assesses and releases electronically; if your box is selected for examination, your agent books an inspection bay.
Once released, terminal charges become payable. Pay them online, book a truck slot inside your free days, and your haulier collects. Storage stops counting when the truck scans out.
Most storage bills are paperwork bills. Start the paperwork before the ship.
Clearing questions
Short answers. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Can Aquila clear my goods?
No. Clearing is done by licensed customs agents. We handle the container and the terminal charges.
How long does clearance take?
Three to five days when documents are ready before arrival. Longer if they are not.
What happens after free days?
Storage is charged per day at the published rate until gate out.
Next
Box on its way?
Check the vessel and work out charges.