Freight Forwarding & Customs Clearance in Cyprus
P. Panagi & Sons Ltd provides customs clearance for sea freight at Limassol Port and air freight at Larnaca International Airport. As a licensed customs broker in Cyprus with over 40 years of experience, we manage the full clearance process — from document review to release order.
Customs Clearance Services for Freight in Cyprus
We handle the customs clearance component of your freight operation — from declaration preparation to release — so your cargo moves without unnecessary delays.
Sea Freight Customs Clearance
Full import and export customs declarations for sea freight at Limassol Port. We handle all commodity types — general cargo, vehicles, FMCG, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and project cargo.
Air Freight Customs Clearance
Customs clearance for air cargo arriving at Larnaca International Airport. We coordinate with the airport cargo terminal for all commodity types including time-sensitive and high-value goods.
Import & Export Declarations
Preparation and submission of import and export customs declarations through the Cyprus Automated Import System (AIS). We calculate duties, VAT, and any applicable levies accurately.
Pre-Lodgement Service
Declaration submission before vessel or aircraft arrival to minimise port dwell time. Pre-lodgement is particularly valuable for time-sensitive cargo and perishable goods.
Specialist Cargo Handling
Dedicated processes for vehicles, perishables, pharmaceuticals, FMCG goods, and oversized cargo — each with specific documentation and regulatory requirements.
Compliance & Documentation
We review all shipping documents before submission, identify any discrepancies, and advise on additional requirements — reducing the risk of delays or customs queries.
Sea Freight Customs Clearance at Limassol Port
Limassol Port is Cyprus's primary commercial port and the entry point for the majority of imported goods. Our office is located within the Cyprus Ports Authority Management building at Limassol Port, and our team is on-site daily. This physical presence means we can respond quickly to customs queries, attend examinations, and coordinate with port authorities without delay.
We handle customs clearance for all types of sea freight: FCL (full container load), LCL (less than container load), RoRo vehicles, bulk cargo, and project cargo. For each shipment, we review the shipping documents, prepare the customs declaration, submit it through the Cyprus AIS system, and obtain the release order.
Documents Required for Sea Freight Clearance
- Original Bill of Lading or telex release confirmation
- Commercial invoice with accurate description, quantity, and value
- Packing list
- Valid EORI number for the importer
- Additional documents depending on goods type (certificates, licences, permits)
For full details, see our guide on documents required for customs clearance in Cyprus.
Air Freight Customs Clearance at Larnaca Airport
For air cargo arriving at Larnaca International Airport, we coordinate directly with the airport cargo terminal to manage the customs clearance process. Air freight customs clearance in Cyprus typically takes one to two business days, though this can vary depending on the nature of the goods and the customs channel assigned.
The Air Waybill (AWB) replaces the Bill of Lading as the primary transport document for air shipments. All other documentation requirements — commercial invoice, packing list, EORI number — remain the same as for sea freight. For time-sensitive or high-value air cargo, we recommend pre-lodging the declaration before the aircraft arrives to minimise storage charges at the airport cargo facility.
Air Freight Clearance Process
- 1Receive Air Waybill, commercial invoice, and packing list from shipper or freight forwarder
- 2Review documents and advise on any additional requirements
- 3Prepare and submit customs declaration through the Cyprus AIS system
- 4Manage any customs examination or queries
- 5Obtain release order and coordinate collection from airport cargo terminal
Why Freight Forwarders Work with P. Panagi & Sons
Many international freight forwarders use us as their Cyprus customs clearance partner. We provide a reliable, consistent service that integrates smoothly into their existing operations. Our team communicates directly with the freight forwarder's operations team, providing status updates at each stage of the clearance process.
For importers managing their own logistics, we work directly with your supplier's freight forwarder to receive documents and initiate clearance as soon as cargo arrives. If you do not yet have an EORI number in Cyprus, we assist with registration as part of our onboarding process.
Frequently Asked Questions — Freight Forwarding & Customs Clearance Cyprus
Common questions about sea freight and air freight customs clearance in Cyprus
Contact Our Customs Clearance Team
P. Panagi & Sons Ltd — Cyprus Ports Authority Management Building, New Port, 3045 Limassol
Licensed customs broker for sea freight at Limassol Port and air freight at Larnaca Airport.