Customs clearance is a necessary procedure before goods can be imported or exported internationally. If a shipment is cleared, then the shipper will provide documentation confirming customs duties that are paid and the shipment can be processed.
Before shipping various goods, a shipper may wonder what customs clearance means and how it's relevant to their shipping options. Every international ocean freight shipment must meet the quota of customs clearance in each country.
Freight Consolidation
Freight consolidation is a shipping service that can lower the total shipping cost as well as increase security. Freight consolidation is just one of the many names given to the service, including consolidation service, assembly service, and cargo consolidation, but no matter what a provider chooses to call it, the concept remains the same.
Freight consolidation is a process in which several small shipments that are all being sent to the same location will be bundled, or consolidated on a single truck, and then shipped together to their destination. The process is not only beneficial to the shipper, but also the customer or retailer to whom the products are being sent.
Logistic Consultancy
Logistics operations and the services provided downstream are becoming more challenging by the day. So there is a need for experts who are well informed – and not only in the field of logistics but also in individual sectors. Ushamas Forwarding provides exactly these kinds of experts. The scope of your project is unimportant – whether it involves global transport services or special tasks on a smaller scale – your company is in good hands with us. Ushamas Forwarding draws up logistics concepts with you and they are specifically geared towards your line of business and your company.
Shipping Services
Our services include full-service domestic and international. Safe, secure and effective Shipping Services are offered by us at industry leading prices. With the help of our team, we can assure swift delivery of consignments within the promise time frame.
Warehousing
Warehousing is an important piece of your retail supply chain. While it’s not the sexiest of subjects, warehousing and inventory storage affect everything from sourcing raw materials and, efficiently managing inventory, to getting orders delivered to customers on time.
Transportation
Covering all modes of transport, we provide you with the services you need to meet your customers’ demands. Based on your business need, our team can suggest the most effective and efficient shipment options available. At the heart of our service is our commitment to customers service and quality. With more than 45 years experience delivering excellence, our focus has always been solely on not letting our customers down.
Unstuffing & Stuffing of Container
The stuffing and unstuffing of containers thus have become an essential part of the shipping process. Container stuffing is the process of loading goods into the container to be shipped, while unstuffing of the container is the opposite — it is the act of unloading goods from a container that has arrived at its destination.
Who we are
ABOUT USHAMAS FORWARDING
incorporated in 1982, USHAMAS FORWARDING (M) SDN BHD has used its local expertise to facilitate the ongoing business growth in Malaysia. With its reputation as a Forwarding Agent, its primary business focus has remained as Custom Broker, which is also its key growth area.
Currently, we have upgraded our range of services including project cargo, haulage services, and other industry-related services to synchronize ourselves with the latest technology and market requirements.
Got a question? We're here to answer. If you don't see your question here, drop us a message
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
What is Incoterm?
Incoterm (Acronym for International Commercial Terms) is a standardised trading agreement used by trading parties to facilitate transaction agreements as well as simplify shipping contracts. They help to clarify all the tasks, responsibilities, costs, and risk during the transaction of goods between Importer and Exporter This ensure importer and exporter to comprehensively perform their respective roles in movement of the goods.
Why is it important? It determines job scope for the logistic partner to handle as well as affect your costing
What is HS Code?
The HS (Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System) Code is a 6–10 digit number that is required for all international shipments. This number is used by customs to identify the products shipped across international borders. Customs authorities use HS Codes to apply duties, taxes and regulations on internationally shipped products.
What is it important? With the HS Code, we can generally determine the requirements as well as tax structure in order for importer/exporter to 1) Do Costing as the cargo may be incurred duty and tax 2) Prepare the necessary documentation prior to the shipment 3) Understand the restriction and regulation set onto cargo
Custom Clearance
During an import/export shipment, it is best to finalize on the movement of the cargo in order for correct and efficient custom declaration to be perform. Different movement of cargo in Malaysia requires different type of custom declaration. Types: K1, K2, K3, K9, K8
Why is it important? Once we know the actual movement of the cargo, we are able 1) Make sure a correct declaration of the import/export shipment 2) To ensure a smooth clearance 3) Determine the Duty and/or Sale Tax to be paid or it can be hold
OGA and Restriction
Import and Export of goods in Malaysia does not just regulated by the Customs only. Some import of goods requires the approval of certain Other Government Agency. Other Government Agency (where its acronym is OGA ) is an organization established by the executive or legislative branches of the government to oversee and manage a specific government’s function.
Therefore, before planning for an import and export of the goods, it is strongly suggest that the importer/exporter consult the relevant OGA on the requirement to import/export their good.
Why is it important? The consultation with OGA will assist us in 1) Knowing the proper documentation to prepare as supporting documentation for custom clearance 2) Ensuring all requirements (such as treatment of goods or packaging of goods) are meet before goods are imported into/exported out of Malaysia 3) Preparing for special handling methods of the goods upon import or export of the goods (if any)
Duty and Tax Exemption
The government earns revenues from various sources, and one of its principal means of income is tax and duty. During import or export, shipments may be subjected to duties and taxes as determined by customs in the destination country. However, for certain goods, the duty and sale tax may be exempted (partially or fully) depending on various reasons such as its country origin, government initiative for trade facilitation and etc. This exemption usually comes with a certain criteria and requirements by the government or its relevant agency. Hence, the importer/exporter has to ensure all these criteria and/or requirement are met before the arrangement of the shipment to qualify for these exemptions
Why is it Important? - It will substantially affect the costing of your import/export shipments - The exemptions cannot be accepted after custom clearance.
Common Types of Maritime Freight
With international trade being a norm, almost everything can be delivered around the globe. Hence, different types of maritime transport are best-suited for specific kinds of cargo. Your choice ultimately depends on the goods that you need to transport. Transportation options by sea can range from general cargo ships to large vessels that are capable of carrying vehicles, heavy equipment, and numerous types of boats.
Below are 3 most common maritime freight arranged: 1) FCL (Full container Load) – the cargo is transported via container. It contains only the cargo of 1 owner 2) LCL (Less than container Container Load) – the cargo is shared among other cargo owners in container that to be send to a same destination 3) Conventional shipment – there is no container. The cargo is loaded onto the vessel or barge directly.
Why is it important? - To ensure the movement of the cargo is delivered securely and correctly without any damages - To prepare ourselves for proper handling of the cargo upon arrival or departure
DG Cargo
Dangerous Goods or normally being called DG cargo need to operate with extreme care and consideration of its dangerous nature and any mis-declaration, mis-communication or incorrect documentation could have severe consequences and could prove disastrous to human lives on shore or on a ship. Being a responsible importer/exporter, it is always important to inform the logistics arm on the nature of the cargo being transport. The fastest and simplest way to determine a cargo being DG cargo and its handling is via the information from Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). In the section 14: Transport Information of a complete MSDS, there are information on appropriate regulations for transporting the product via land, air or sea.
Why is it important? - To ensure all the parties involve in the movement of the cargo handles the said cargo at the utmost care.
CHECKLIST
Before an arrangement of any import/export shipments, it is always recommended that the importer/exporter is fully prepared to ensure the delivery is smooth and efficient. Below are the check list proposed to ensure a smooth customs clearance at Port:
Determine the HS Code
Exporter and Importer need to research and work closely with Custom department to determine the HS Code of the cargo that is being export/import.
Documentation is complete & sufficient for custom clearance
For importer, it is important to inform the exporter on the documents required for them prepare and provide you. For exporter, it is important to verify with the importer on the documents required in Port of Discharge.
Validate with relevant OGA on the requirement of import/export
Both exporter and importer needs to verify with the relevant OGA/Authority in Port of Loading and Port of Discharge respectively on the requirement as well as regulation for export/import their cargo.
Determine the best option of movement of cargo
Depending on urgency, quantity as well as other factors.
How it work
SHIPPING GUIDE
Accumulate and organise info shipment (refer to check list in FAQ)
Contact us for quotation - base on job scope
Appoint us as company forwarding agent
Provide shipping documents
Custom clearance (follow up with relevant parties) - may be contacted for further details on cargo or documentation