The phrase denotes the authorized permission granted by customs authorities for an international consignment to proceed beyond the port of entry and continue its journey to the intended recipient. This signifies the shipment has met all regulatory requirements, including the payment of duties and taxes, submission of necessary documentation, and completion of inspections, if required. For example, a container arriving from overseas cannot be delivered to a warehouse until customs grants this clearance.
This action is a pivotal point in global trade, streamlining supply chains and ensuring the timely arrival of goods. Its significance lies in facilitating efficient movement of goods across borders, reducing delays, and minimizing storage costs. Historically, the manual processes involved in securing such authorizations often led to bottlenecks and increased transit times; however, advancements in electronic data interchange and automated systems have greatly improved its speed and efficiency.
