Usage Note
Zollabfertigung is the process of passing goods or persons through customs. Travellers encounter it at non-EU borders; goods imported beyond duty-free limits require formal Zollabfertigung. The term is essential for any trip outside the Schengen/EU area.
Examples
"Die Zollabfertigung dauerte über eine Stunde, weil wir viele Einkäufe dabei hatten."
Natural Translation
Customs clearance took over an hour because we had a lot of purchases with us.
Literal Translation
The customs-clearance lasted over an hour, because we many purchases with-us had.

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