Which document is primarily used to clear goods through customs?

The customs declaration is the primary document used to clear goods through customs because it provides essential information about the shipment, including the type of goods, their value, the origin, and the intended destination. This document is crucial for the customs authorities to assess duties and taxes, verify compliance with import/export regulations, and determine if the goods meet any applicable restrictions or prohibitions.

The customs declaration is often accompanied by other documents, such as the commercial invoice and bill of lading, which assist in providing additional context and supporting evidence for the shipment's details. While the bill of lading serves as a contract for the transportation of goods and the commercial invoice details the sale transaction, it is the customs declaration that specifically facilitates the customs clearance process.

The certificate of origin, while important in certain contexts, primarily attests to the origin of the goods for trade purposes, potentially affecting duty rates but not serving as the document that directly clears goods through customs.