Most customs delays come down to a missing or mismatched document. Here's what you need before your goods arrive.
Before your first shipment
A GB EORI number. Every business importing into Great Britain needs one. It's free from HMRC and usually issued quickly. Without it, nothing can be declared.
VAT registration (if you're eligible). This lets you use postponed VAT accounting instead of paying import VAT at the border.
For every shipment
Commercial invoice. Issued by your supplier. It should show seller and buyer, a clear description of the goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency and the Incoterm (for example FOB Chittagong).
Packing list. Number of cartons, what is in each, and the weights and dimensions. It must match the invoice.
Bill of lading or air waybill. Issued by the carrier. It's the contract of carriage and, for sea freight, often the document of title to the goods.
Commodity codes. Each product needs a 10-digit commodity code. It decides your duty rate, so it is worth getting right once and keeping on file.
Proof of origin (if claiming a preferential rate). For example a statement on origin for goods from Bangladesh under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme. See our guide to duty on Bangladesh imports.
Sometimes needed
- Licences or certificates for controlled goods — some food, plants, chemicals and textiles with particular claims.
- Insurance certificate, if you've insured the cargo separately.
The common mistakes
- Invoice and packing list showing different quantities
- Vague descriptions like "garments" or "samples" — customs needs specifics
- An invoice value that doesn't match what you actually paid
- Proof of origin missing or wrongly worded
We check all of this before the goods leave origin. Talk to us about your next shipment.