What Is KYC and Why May It Be Required for Customs Clearance?

What Is KYC and Why May It Be Required for Customs Clearance?

When an order is shipped internationally, the parcel may need to pass through customs before it can be delivered. Customs authorities in some countries require additional information from the recipient before the shipment can be released.
This process is often referred to as KYC, which stands for Know Your Customer.

KYC is used by carriers and customs authorities to confirm the identity of the person or business receiving the shipment. It helps customs verify that the shipment is being imported by the correct recipient and that the parcel complies with the destination country’s import rules.

Why is KYC required for some international shipments?

Each country has its own customs regulations. In some destinations, customs authorities require the shipping carrier to collect or verify recipient information before the parcel can be cleared.

This may include information such as:

  • Full legal name

  • Delivery address

  • Email address

  • Mobile phone number

  • Tax identification number

  • Customs identification number

  • National ID number

  • Passport number

  • Business registration number

  • Proof of address

  • Importer registration details

The exact information required depends on the destination country, the carrier, the shipment value, the type of goods, and whether the order is being delivered to an individual or a business.

Why does the carrier ask for this information?

The carrier is responsible for presenting shipment information to customs. If the destination country requires KYC or importer information, the carrier may need to contact the customer directly before the shipment can be released.

This is not a ViaScreens-specific requirement. It is usually a requirement set by the destination country’s customs authority and managed through the shipping carrier.

If the requested information is not provided, customs clearance may be delayed, the parcel may be held, or the shipment may be returned depending on the country’s rules and the carrier’s process.

Examples of countries that may require KYC or recipient identification

Customs requirements can change, and they vary by country and shipment type. However, some examples of destinations where additional recipient identification may be required include:

CountryExample of information that may be required
IndiaKYC documents such as government-recognised identity and address proof
South KoreaPersonal Customs Clearance Code, also known as PCCC, or other personal customs information
BrazilCPF, CNPJ, or other taxpayer identification details
ChinaCustoms Registration Code for certain importers or business shipments
Saudi ArabiaNational ID for private recipients or commercial registration details for business recipients
TurkeyTurkish ID number or tax details may be required depending on the shipment type and customs process

These are only examples. Other countries may also request additional information for customs clearance.

Why accurate checkout information is important

The information entered at checkout is used to prepare the shipment, create the shipping label, generate customs documentation, and pass the required shipment details to the carrier.

For this reason, it is important that all checkout information is accurate and complete.

Please make sure the following details are correct before placing your order:

  • Full name of the recipient

  • Complete delivery address

  • Correct postcode or ZIP code

  • Correct country and region

  • Valid email address

  • Valid mobile phone number

  • Any required tax ID, customs ID, or business registration number, if requested at checkout

If the name, address, phone number, or email address is incorrect, the carrier may not be able to contact you for customs clearance. This can cause delays or prevent the parcel from being released.

Your checkout details may be shared with the carrier

When you place an international order, the delivery information provided at checkout may be shared with the shipping carrier and relevant logistics partners so the parcel can be processed, transported, and cleared through customs.

This can include your name, delivery address, phone number, email address, order details, product description, shipment value, and any customs information required for the destination country.

This information is needed so the carrier can:

  • Create the shipping label

  • Transport the parcel

  • Submit customs data

  • Contact you if customs information is required

  • Collect duties, taxes, or clearance documents where applicable

  • Arrange delivery or resolve delivery issues

Providing accurate details at checkout helps reduce the risk of customs delays.

What happens if my KYC information does not match my order details?

In some countries, customs may require the recipient’s KYC documents to match the shipment details.

For example, the name and address on the recipient’s identity or address documents may need to match the name and delivery address shown on the shipment.

If there is a mismatch, the carrier may request additional documents or clarification. This can delay customs clearance.

To avoid this, please use the correct recipient name and delivery address at checkout, especially when ordering for another person, a workplace, a hotel, a forwarding address, or a business location.

What if the carrier contacts me for KYC?

If the carrier contacts you to request KYC information or customs documents, please follow the carrier’s instructions carefully.

Before submitting any personal information, always make sure the request is genuine. Check that the message relates to your actual shipment and that any link or portal provided belongs to the official carrier handling your delivery.

You may be asked to provide information through the carrier’s secure customs portal or customer service process.

What happens if I do not provide the requested information?

If customs or the carrier requires KYC information and it is not provided, the parcel may not be cleared for delivery.

Possible outcomes may include:

  • Customs clearance delays

  • Additional requests from the carrier

  • Storage or holding fees, depending on the destination and carrier

  • Return of the shipment to sender

  • Failure of delivery

  • Possible disposal or abandonment in some cases, depending on local regulations

ViaScreens cannot override customs requirements or release a shipment without the information required by the destination country.

Can ViaScreens provide KYC on behalf of the customer?

No; KYC information usually relates to the importer or recipient of the shipment. This means the information must normally be provided by the customer, recipient, or importing business.

ViaScreens can provide standard shipment information such as product details, order value, shipping documents, and commercial invoice data where required, but we cannot provide the customer’s personal identification documents, tax ID, customs ID, or importer registration details on their behalf.

Business orders and company deliveries

If an order is being delivered to a business, customs may require company-related information instead of, or in addition to, personal information.

This may include:

  • Registered company name

  • Business address

  • Tax registration number

  • VAT number

  • Importer registration number

  • Company registration number

  • Authorised contact person

Please ensure the business name and delivery details entered at checkout are accurate and match the information used by the importing company.

Orders sent to third-party addresses

If you are shipping to a third-party address, such as a freight forwarder, workplace, hotel, friend, family member, or business location, please make sure the recipient details are correct.

The person or business receiving the parcel may be asked by the carrier to provide customs or KYC information. If the named recipient cannot provide the required information, the shipment may be delayed or refused by customs.

Duties, taxes, and customs charges

KYC is separate from customs duties and taxes.

Providing KYC information does not necessarily mean that duties or taxes have been paid. In some countries, the carrier may also contact the recipient to collect import duties, taxes, customs clearance charges, or local fees before delivery.

These charges are set by the destination country’s customs authority and may vary depending on the shipment value, product type, and local import rules.

How to avoid customs clearance delays

To help avoid delays, please:

  • Enter your full and correct name at checkout

  • Use a complete and accurate delivery address

  • Provide a valid mobile phone number

  • Use an email address that you check regularly

  • Add any required tax ID or customs ID if requested

  • Make sure the recipient can provide KYC information if contacted by the carrier

  • Respond quickly to any carrier customs request

  • Check spam or junk folders for carrier emails

  • Make sure SMS or phone contact from the carrier is not blocked

Summary

KYC stands for Know Your Customer. For international shipments, it may be required by customs authorities so the carrier can verify the recipient or importer before releasing the parcel.

Some countries require additional identity, tax, customs, or business information before a shipment can be cleared. This can include countries such as India, South Korea, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others, depending on the shipment type and local regulations.

The details entered at checkout are used for shipping and customs purposes and may be shared with the carrier. Providing accurate information is essential to help prevent delays, failed clearance, or return of the shipment.