A Complete Guide to U.S.–China Export Logistics: Do You Know the Difference Between Customs Declaration, Cut-off, Clearance, and Inspection?

In U.S.–China import and export logistics, you may often hear terms like customs declaration, cut-off, customs clearance, and inspection.
They may sound similar, but the timing and purpose of each step are different. Mixing them up could cause shipping delays or even extra costs.
As a professional U.S.–China logistics provider, we’ll help you break them down clearly.

1. The Difference Between Cut-off and Clearance

Cut-off
This is the latest time to submit your customs declaration.
For sea freight, it’s usually around 4 days before vessel departure; for air freight, the window is even shorter.
Before the cut-off, we must complete the declaration and submit the customs release slip (also known as the terminal receipt) to the carrier. Otherwise, the cargo cannot be loaded as scheduled.

Customs Clearance Completion
This means all customs procedures are done, and the cargo is officially released from supervision.
Clearance usually happens after the cut-off date — generally within about 5 working days after the cargo has been exported.

2. Release, Released, and Cleared

Release – Customs has approved the declaration form.

Released – Cargo can be loaded onto the vessel or aircraft.

Cleared – All customs procedures for the shipment are fully completed.

Note: Release and Clearance are not the same — clearance comes later.

3. Typical U.S.–China Export Sequence

Prepare documents → Commodity inspection (if required)

Customs declaration → Submit before cut-off date

Cut-off → Cargo is loaded, vessel or flight departs

Customs clearance → All formalities completed

Full customs process completed → Cargo moves into international transit

Easy way to remember: Declare → Cut-off → Clear

4. Customs Declaration vs. Commodity Inspection Declaration

Customs Declaration – Submission to customs for all import/export goods (except certain green channel items).

Commodity Inspection Declaration – Submission to the inspection and quarantine department for goods that require mandatory inspection.

Order of steps:
Inspection declaration → Inspection certificate issued → Customs declaration → Release

5. Inspection vs. Declaration

Inspection – The actual inspection process, resulting in an Export Cargo Clearance Certificate.

Inspection Declaration – The application process, where the exporter submits documents and/or samples to the inspection bureau.

Conclusion
In U.S.–China logistics, timing is everything. Customs declaration, cut-off, clearance, and inspection are all linked, and a delay in any step can cause missed sailings or flights.
We recommend providing complete documentation as early as possible so our team can manage the schedule and ensure your cargo arrives in the U.S. safely and on time.