Under EXW terms, which party is responsible for finding an import customs clearance agency?
I'm currently handling an import-export transaction using EXW terms. Regarding this clause, I'm not entirely clear about which party should be responsible for finding an import customs clearance agency during the customs clearance process. Is it the buyer or the seller? I'd like to understand the relevant regulations and common practices in actual operations so I can make appropriate arrangements in advance and avoid unnecessary complications during the trade process. I hope experienced professionals can help clarify this for me.
Professional consultant answers
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Under EXW (Ex Works) terms, the buyer is typically responsible for import customs clearance and finding a customs clearance agency. This is because under EXW terms, the seller's obligation is fulfilled when the goods are made available to the buyer at the seller's premises or another specified location (such as a factory or warehouse). All subsequent risks and costs, including transportation from the delivery point to the destination, insurance, import customs clearance, and related matters, are borne by the buyer.
From a practical perspective, the buyer is more familiar with the customs policies and regulations of their own country and can more easily contact suitable local customs clearance agencies. Additionally, having the buyer handle import customs clearance facilitates better control over the entire import process, ensuring smooth customs clearance and planned entry into the domestic market. However, in actual trade, the buyer and seller may negotiate for the seller to assist in finding a customs clearance agency, though the costs are generally still borne by the buyer.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Generally, it's the buyer who finds the customs clearance agency, because under EXW terms, the seller's responsibility ends upon delivery at the specified location, with subsequent transportation and customs clearance being the buyer's responsibility.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
By convention, the buyer is responsible for finding an import customs clearance agency, but if the contract specifically states that the seller will handle it, that's also possible. The key is what's agreed upon in the contract.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Definitely the buyer. Under EXW trade terms, most post-export matters are handled by the buyer, so customs clearance naturally falls to the buyer to arrange.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Under EXW terms, trade rules stipulate that the buyer assumes customs clearance responsibilities, so finding an agency is typically the buyer's task.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Normally, under EXW terms, the buyer is responsible for import customs clearance and finding an agency. If the buyer is unfamiliar with the process, they may delegate this to the seller, but costs remain the buyer's responsibility.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
The buyer is responsible for finding an import customs clearance agency. EXW terms specify that risks and costs transfer to the buyer after delivery, making customs clearance the buyer's responsibility.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Most of the time, it's the buyer who finds the customs clearance agency, as EXW terms inherently place more subsequent responsibilities on the buyer, including customs clearance.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Under EXW terms, unless otherwise agreed by both parties, the import customs clearance agency is typically contacted by the buyer, in accordance with the trade rules of this clause.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
According to EXW terms, it's more common for the buyer to find an import customs clearance agency, as subsequent transportation and customs clearance matters are primarily managed by the buyer.