Source: International Exhibition Logistics Associates (http://www.iela.com).

Average Customs Clearance Time (days)

Transactional delays are still significant in international trade, but there is a variation in their efficiency. Customs clearance time is particularly relevant. The process includes time taken to unload shipments, transport and carry them to bonded areas, make import declarations, and have the declarations accepted by the authorities. It is rather fast for locations that are import dependant or gateways such as the Netherlands, Germany, Hong Kong or Singapore. For entities mired in bureaucratic processes, such as Russia, India and Brazil, it can be substantially longer.