We prepare export customs declarations and arrange export customs clearance for shipments going from Estonia and other European Union countries to third countries. We check the documentation required for customs clearance and verify that the submitted data meets customs requirements. We manage the entire customs process in line with the applicable regulations and the specifics of the cargo.
During export customs clearance we advise the customer on customs matters. Where required, we provide guidance on what documents are needed to prepare the export customs declaration and check them before the declaration is submitted. Where required, we also help prepare documents such as a certificate of origin or any other export-related document.
Export customs processes are based on the requirements of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) and on European Union customs rules. ETS Logistics is a customs agency licensed by EMTA (operating licence no. TA/0240/EE1000EE). We provide export customs clearance both to customers using our cargo-transport service and to customers whose international transport has been booked with another provider.
Our export customs clearance stands out for its practical, explanatory approach. Our customs declarants support customers in preparing the documents required for export customs clearance. We explain the customs process in plain language and help prevent common mistakes before the export customs declaration is submitted.
Several customs declarants work in our customs department. This lets us respond quickly and provide operational help even when there are multiple shipments or the schedule is tight.
We draw up hundreds of customs declarations every year. As a result, we know the requirements of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) and common practices well. We work to best practice to deliver correct export customs clearance in line with the applicable regulations.
We are a customs agency licensed by EMTA. Export customs clearance is one of the core areas of our customs service. Our customs department grew out of the practical need to support non-EU imports and exports as one complete process. Because the main focus of our logistics department is international transport that starts or ends outside the European Union, we wanted to offer customers the option of obtaining export customs clearance from the same place that arranges their transport.
This need is what got us started as a customs agency, so the customer can, on request, obtain the whole service from one company. Over the years, customs clearance has grown into a standalone and important service, in which the central role is played by correct documentation, clear communication and adherence to the applicable customs regulations. For us, the customs service is not just compulsory bureaucracy. It is part of a well-considered, managed supply chain.
To date we have operated as a customs agency for over 10 years. Several customs declarants work in our customs department. We have prepared thousands of export declarations. We support customers throughout the customs process. We help them understand the requirements and ensure correct export customs clearance in line with the applicable rules and practices. The service can be used by businesses and private customers alike, whether or not the transport was booked with us or with another provider.
Export customs clearance can be carried out under different customs procedures. In addition to the standard export customs declaration, special procedures are also used in certain cases. They allow goods to be temporarily taken out of the European Union customs territory or sent outside the European Union for processing.
The sub-services below give an overview of the most frequently used export customs procedures. These include temporary export and outward processing. Our customs declarants help choose the right export customs procedure and prepare the necessary export customs declarations and documents.
Export customs clearance covers the preparation of export declarations for goods going from Estonia or other European Union countries to third countries, as well as various export-related customs procedures. The table below gives an overview of the main export customs services and procedures with which our customs declarants support customers every day.
| Service | Content | When it is used | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export customs clearance | Preparing the export customs declaration and declaring the goods for export | When exporting goods from the European Union to a third country | Shipments leaving the European Union |
| Temporary export | Preparing the temporary export customs declaration | When goods are temporarily exported from the European Union | Tools, rental equipment or equipment sent out for testing |
| Outward processing | Declaring the goods under the outward processing customs procedure for repair or processing outside the European Union | When sending goods outside the European Union for processing or repair | Processing or repair before the goods are brought back into the European Union |
| Issuing movement certificates | Issuing movement certificates (EUR.1, A.TR) | For applying for a customs duty preference in the destination country or proving the goods' origin | Customs duty reduction or proving origin to the destination country's customs authority |
| Document check before the declaration | Checking the commercial invoice and packing list before submitting the export customs declaration | Before export customs clearance | Avoiding errors and delays during customs clearance |
| Customs advice for exports | Advice on export customs procedures, documents and requirements | When planning exports | Preparing a new export process |
Our export customs clearance is intended for companies, organisations and public-sector institutions that export goods from Estonia or other European Union countries to third countries and need help preparing the export customs declaration and the related documents.
The service is also suitable for private individuals and people relocating who send personal belongings from the European Union to third countries and need help with export customs clearance and the related documents.
Export customs clearance is needed every time goods are sent from the Estonian (and therefore European Union) customs territory to a third country. In such cases an export customs declaration must be drawn up for the goods and the applicable customs procedures followed. Below are the main destination countries for which we prepare export declarations in Estonia.
Practical guidance for preparing export customs clearance and the export customs declaration. We share information on export customs procedures, documents and requirements. We cover the most common questions and situations that may arise when exporting goods from Estonia or the European Union to third countries, including humanitarian-aid shipments and the personal belongings of people relocating. We also explain the various customs procedures and special conditions that may apply to exports.
Questions about export customs clearance usually concern when the export customs declaration must be drawn up, what documents are required for customs clearance and how long the process typically takes. Practical questions also arise about temporary export, outward processing and possible customs inspections.
Below we answer the most common questions about export customs clearance, submitting the export declaration, the documents needed and the various export customs procedures. We also explain the principles of using temporary export and outward processing. The answers are based on our day-to-day experience of preparing export declarations in Estonia.
Export customs clearance is the customs procedure under which goods are declared for removal from the European Union customs territory. Its purpose is to ensure that the goods leave the European Union in compliance with the applicable legislation.
Submitting the export declaration notifies customs of the goods’ departure, and customs checks whether the export of the goods is permitted and complies with the applicable requirements. Where required, customs also checks for export restrictions, licensing obligations or other special conditions.
After the export declaration has been accepted and the goods’ departure confirmed, the goods are officially considered to have been exported from the European Union.
An export declaration must be drawn up when goods are taken from the European Union customs territory to a third country or a special territory (e.g. the Canary Islands).
The declaration is required regardless of whether the transaction is a sale, a return, a repair, a shipment of samples or another commercial transaction. An export declaration must also be drawn up when goods are temporarily taken out of the European Union.
The export declaration must be submitted before the goods physically leave the European Union.
Export customs clearance requires correct cargo documents that make it possible to establish the goods, their value, origin and the nature of the transaction. The exact list of documents depends on the goods and the transaction, but the commercial invoice and packing list are typically required to clear the export.
We recommend checking the export conditions for the specific goods in advance, since additional documents may be required in certain cases, depending on the goods, the destination country’s requirements/restrictions, etc.
Typically, the export declaration is drawn up within the same working day after the correct data and documents have been submitted.
The process can be slowed by missing documents, export restrictions, licensing obligations and possible customs inspections.
If customs selects the shipment for inspection, clearance takes longer, which means the goods cannot leave until the inspection has been completed.
In practice, correct document preparation helps avoid delays.
Temporary export is the customs procedure under which goods are temporarily taken out of the European Union with the intention of bringing them back unchanged at a later date.
It is used, for example:
Under temporary export, the goods are not treated as finally exported, and on their return it is generally possible to apply for a tax exemption if the conditions of the procedure are met.
Outward processing is the customs procedure under which European Union goods are temporarily taken out of the EU (for processing, repair or finishing) and then brought back.
When the goods are brought back, the value added outside the EU (e.g. the cost of the work or processing) and the transport costs are generally taxed — not the full value of the goods.
Before using the outward processing procedure, it is essential to assess the conditions and documentation requirements. We help select the right procedure and advise on the cargo documents to ensure the necessary customs documents are prepared.
Practical articles on preparing export customs clearance and export declarations. We cover the documents needed for customs clearance, goods classification (HS / CN code), proofs of origin and various export customs procedures. We also explain the most common questions that may arise when exporting goods from Estonia or the European Union to third countries, including customs inspections, temporary export, outward processing and customs clearance of humanitarian-aid shipments and the personal belongings of people relocating.
