We prepare import and export customs declarations and provide customs services in Estonia and abroad. We handle the documentation related to customs clearance and manage the customs process in accordance with applicable regulations and the specifics of the goods.
For import customs clearance, we advise the client on customs-related matters and also support the calculation and payment of state taxes based on the customs declaration and applicable duties. We provide customs services on the client’s request and as needed, taking into account the direction of the shipment, the Incoterms delivery clause, and the documents required for customs clearance (commercial invoice, packing list, transport waybill, certificate of origin, A.TR movement certificate).
Customs processes depend on the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), European Union customs regulations, and foreign authorities. ETS Logistics is an EMTA-licensed customs agency (licence no. TA/0240/EE1000EE). We provide customs services both to clients who use our freight services and to clients whose international shipments are arranged by another service provider.
Our customs service stands out for its practical and explanatory approach. Our customs declarants support clients in preparing the documents needed for customs clearance, explain the customs process in clear language, and help prevent common mistakes before the customs declaration is submitted.
Processing hundreds of customs declarations each year, we have a thorough understanding of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board’s requirements and common practices. We follow best practices to ensure correct customs clearance and the proper calculation and payment of state taxes in accordance with applicable regulations.
We are an EMTA-licensed customs agency, and customs service is one of our core services. Our customs department grew out of the practical need to support the organisation of shipments to and from countries outside the European Union as one integrated process. Since our logistics department primarily focuses on international shipments starting or ending outside the European Union, we wanted to offer clients the option of getting the customs service from the same company that arranges the shipping.
Based on this need, we began operating as a customs agency to serve our clients across the entire supply chain. Over the years, customs clearance has developed into an independent and important service, where the central role is played by correct documentation, clear communication, and compliance with current customs regulations. For us, customs service is not a separate bureaucratic obligation but part of a managed and well-considered supply chain.
Today we have been operating as a customs agency for over 10 years and provide customs services to both businesses and private clients, regardless of whether the shipping was ordered from us or from another service provider. Our role is to support the client throughout the entire customs process, help them understand the requirements, and ensure correct customs clearance in accordance with applicable rules and practices.
Our customs service covers import and export customs clearance, the preparation of movement certificates (EUR.1, A.TR), and the arrangement of transit (T1, T2). We also offer customs procedures abroad and support clients with EORI questions, commodity code (HS / CN) classification, and consultations, so that the customs declaration is correct, the customs value of the goods is properly determined, and state and customs duties are correctly calculated.
Customs service covers import and export customs clearance and the various customs procedures that apply based on the movement of goods, their intended use, and current regulations. The table below provides an overview of the main customs services we provide both in Estonia and abroad.
| Service | Content | Where it applies | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import customs clearance | Preparation of import declaration, tax calculation, special procedures | Estonia | Release of goods into free circulation |
| Export customs clearance | Export declaration, exit confirmation, special procedures | Estonia | Export of goods out of the EU |
| Movement certificates (EUR.1, ATR) | Proof of origin and free circulation status | EU / Türkiye | Application of preferential customs duty |
| Customs procedures abroad | Customs clearance through partners | Non-EU countries | Import or export outside Estonia |
| Transit clearance (T1, T2) | Movement of goods under customs supervision | EU and non-EU countries | Transit between customs warehouses or countries |
| EORI advice | EORI guidance and validity check | EU | Registration of a company for customs procedures |
| Commodity code classification (HS / CN) | Classification of goods in the customs tariff | International | Verification of customs duties and restrictions |
| Customs duties consultation | Explanation of customs and VAT calculations | Estonia and abroad | Import cost planning |
Customs clearance is required every time goods cross the borders of the European Union, or when special procedures apply. Based on our experience, our clients’ trade most often involves certain countries where the correct fulfilment of customs requirements is particularly important. The countries listed below reflect the main routes for which we prepare customs declarations in Estonia.
Practical sea transport guidance for smooth imports and exports. We compare transport types, explain customs procedures, and share best practices for using Incoterms delivery clauses.
Questions about customs service most often concern when customs clearance is needed, what documents must be submitted, how long the process takes, and whether the service can be ordered separately from shipping. Questions also frequently come up about when to involve a declarant in the process and how to get started in order to avoid delays and additional costs.
Below we answer the most common questions about the content of the customs service, its duration, document requirements, and how to order the service. The answers are based on practical experience preparing import and export customs declarations in Estonia, in the course of which we regularly deal with all aspects such as different types of goods, special procedures, customs controls, and documentation requirements.
Customs service includes arranging the customs formalities related to trade in goods and providing customs advice to the client throughout the process. The aim of the service is to ensure smooth and delay-free movement of goods across borders in accordance with applicable requirements.
Customs service includes preparing the necessary declarations, verifying data, and communicating with customs authorities. Correctly completed customs formalities help keep the supply chain running smoothly, reduce risks, and avoid unexpected additional costs. Our aim is to make the customs process as clear, transparent, and convenient as possible for the client.
Customs clearance is required when goods cross the customs border, generally between the European Union and third countries. Goods must be declared when leaving the country (export) or entering the country (import).
It is important to verify the need for customs clearance well in advance, before the goods are dispatched or arrive, so that all necessary documents are prepared and checked in time. Depending on the goods, restrictions may also apply that require additional documents to be submitted.
Acting late can cause delays and additional costs. If you are unsure whether customs clearance is required for a particular shipment or which documents need to be submitted, it is worth consulting with us before the goods are moved to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process.
The time required for customs clearance depends primarily on the specifics of the shipment, the quality of the data submitted, and any customs inspections. If all necessary documents are correct and sufficient, we begin preparing the declaration immediately.
The duration of the process may be extended in situations where the goods’ data needs to be clarified, additional information needs to be submitted, or customs directs the goods for inspection. For this reason, it is important to start preparing the documentation already before the goods arrive or depart.
We recommend forwarding the documents to us as early as possible – this way, we can prepare the customs clearance and prevent unnecessary delays in moving the goods.
We recommend consulting on customs matters already before planning the shipment, or as soon as the basic details of the shipment are known. Involving the declarant early makes it possible to check for any restrictions, additional document requirements, and other customs-related conditions that may affect the movement of the goods.
To start, it is enough to send us a description of the goods. We will review the information, provide any necessary clarifying instructions, and agree on the next steps.
The earlier the necessary information reaches us, the more smoothly the customs clearance proceeds and the goods move. Our aim is to make the process as simple, clear, and time-efficient as possible for the client.
Yes, the customs service can also be ordered as a standalone service. We can arrange customs formalities regardless of who is carrying out the shipping. If necessary, we communicate directly with the carrier or other parties so that the required information moves in time and customs clearance proceeds without disruption. Our aim is to provide a flexible service. This allows the client to use the transport solution that suits them best without having to worry separately about the customs process.
For customs clearance, the main documents required are the commercial invoice and the packing list. The documents must contain sufficient and mutually consistent information about the goods, the parties involved, and the transport conditions. Depending on the type of goods, their origin, and the destination country, additional documents or data may also need to be submitted. For this reason, it is important that the documentation is as accurate as possible and submitted in good time. If the goods are of preferential origin, it may be possible to apply for a reduction or exemption from customs duty when certain proofs of origin are available. For this reason, it is important to check these possibilities in good time. If necessary, we provide the client with specific instructions on which documents are required for their shipment so that customs clearance proceeds smoothly.
Practical steps for smooth imports/exports: comparisons of transport types, customs checklists, and case studies.
