Under EXW terms, the buyer is typically responsible for import customs clearance agency. The reason is that under this term, the seller fulfills their delivery obligation when the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal at the seller's premises or another specified location (e.g., factory, warehouse). All subsequent risks and costs, including transportation from the delivery point to the destination, insurance, and import customs clearance, are borne by the buyer.
The buyer needs to arrange their own transport to pick up the goods at the seller's location and is responsible for subsequent transportation and import clearance procedures. If the buyer is unfamiliar with local customs procedures, they can delegate the import customs clearance to a professional agency like Zhongshitong to ensure smooth customs clearance. This arrangement is mainly because the seller has minimal responsibilities under EXW terms, while the buyer has more flexibility in controlling and arranging the goods, making them more suitable for handling import customs clearance and related matters.
Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Under EXW terms, the buyer is typically responsible for import customs clearance agency. The reason is that under this term, the seller fulfills their delivery obligation when the goods are placed at the buyer's disposal at the seller's premises or another specified location (e.g., factory, warehouse). All subsequent risks and costs, including transportation from the delivery point to the destination, insurance, and import customs clearance, are borne by the buyer.
The buyer needs to arrange their own transport to pick up the goods at the seller's location and is responsible for subsequent transportation and import clearance procedures. If the buyer is unfamiliar with local customs procedures, they can delegate the import customs clearance to a professional agency like Zhongshitong to ensure smooth customs clearance. This arrangement is mainly because the seller has minimal responsibilities under EXW terms, while the buyer has more flexibility in controlling and arranging the goods, making them more suitable for handling import customs clearance and related matters.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Generally, it's the buyer's responsibility because under EXW, the seller only needs to prepare the goods at their location, after which transportation, customs clearance, etc., fall to the buyer.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
The EXW model is clear—the seller's job ends upon delivery, so import customs clearance agency naturally falls to the buyer. Rules must be followed.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Definitely the buyer is responsible for import customs clearance agency. By definition, the buyer assumes risks and costs after the goods are placed at their disposal, and customs clearance falls within this scope.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Under EXW terms, the buyer is responsible for import customs clearance agency, as this term emphasizes fewer seller responsibilities and more buyer obligations.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
It's the buyer's responsibility—this is clearly stated in international trade terms. Once the seller delivers the goods, subsequent customs clearance is handled by the buyer.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Under EXW, the buyer is responsible for import customs clearance agency. The buyer must arrange transportation to their country and complete import procedures.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
The buyer is responsible for import customs clearance agency because under EXW, the seller delivers locally, and most subsequent matters are managed by the buyer.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
EXW terms stipulate that the buyer assumes more responsibilities, and import customs clearance agency falls within the buyer's scope of obligations.