Customs procedures
Import and export steps, route by route
Pick your goods and route to see each step, the documents it needs and who handles it.
Your steps
Exporting Cocoa beans·
Ghana→
United Kingdom
- 01
Register as an exporter
Register the business, get a taxpayer number and sign up with the national export authority.
DocumentsBusiness registrationTaxpayer numberExporter registration - 02
Get the product code
Confirm the HS code for the goods. Cocoa beans fall under heading 1801.
DocumentsProduct descriptionHS code - 03
Licences and certificates
Some goods need a permit or certificate before they can leave. For cocoa this usually means the three below.
DocumentsCocoa export permitPhytosanitary certificateCertificate of origin - 04
Pre-shipment inspection
The beans are sampled and checked for quality and grade before loading.
DocumentsInspection requestQuality certificate - 05
File the export declaration
A licensed agent files the declaration in the national customs system, with the documents attached.
DocumentsExport declarationCommercial invoicePacking list - 06
Pay any fees and get clearance
Any export fees or levies are paid, customs checks the goods and approves release.
DocumentsPayment receiptRelease note - 07
Load and ship
The goods are loaded and the carrier issues the bill of lading. The buyer uses the documents to import into the UK.
DocumentsBill of ladingCopies for the buyer
Guides for the countries you chose
Request this route
Tell the desk which route to publish. The countries and the product are filled in from this page.
Documents checklist
The papers most shipments need. Tick them off as you go; your route shows which apply.
- Seller, buyer, goods, prices and terms of sale.Free template
- What is in each package, with weights and marks.Free template
- The carrier’s receipt and contract for the shipment.Issued by the carrier
- Shows where the goods were made. Needed to claim a lower duty.Issued by an approved body
- For plants, food and animal products.Issued by the plant or animal health office
- For goods that are licensed or controlled.Issued by the licensing authority
- Proof the cargo is insured, when the terms ask for it.Issued by the insurer
Country guides
Official single windows and trade information portals, where each country publishes its own procedures.
Africa
- Ghana
ICUMS single window
Official trade portal 
Côte d'IvoireSingle window (GUCE)
Official trade portal
MoroccoPortNet single window
Official trade portal
EgyptNafeza single window
Official trade portal
KenyaKenya Trade Information Portal
Official trade portal
RwandaRwanda Trade Portal
Official trade portal
ZambiaZambia Trade Information Portal
Official trade portal
Get help with your shipment
How steps work on aLTlas
- Every step shows its official source and the date it was last checked
- Steps are reviewed by our desk and updated when the rules change
- The official authority always has the final word on what your goods need
Guidance only, not legal or customs advice. Steps and documents depend on the goods, the route and the rules on the day you ship. Check with the official authority or a licensed broker before you ship.
Mauritius
United States
European Union
China
India