Work out customs clearance time cost instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Customs delay costs storage and demurrage plus the cost of capital tied up in goods that cannot be sold. The cost per day is the figure that justifies investment in pre-clearance, authorised economic operator status or a customs broker with better performance.
Storage and demurrage
Storage = Clearance days x Daily storage and demurrage
Capital cost
Capital = Shipment value x Cost of capital x Days / 365
Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.
Pre-lodging declarations, complete and accurate documentation, trusted trader schemes, and consistent tariff classification to avoid queries.
Free time is negotiable in the freight contract. Once free time expires the daily rates are usually fixed by the carrier's tariff.