Customs is where shipments get stuck. A missing document, a wrong commodity code or an unclaimed preference can mean delays at the port, storage charges, or paying more duty than you need to. Our own customs team in Essex handles declarations for the goods we ship, and for importers who've arranged their freight elsewhere and just need the clearance done properly.
What we do
- Import declarations lodged on HMRC's Customs Declaration Service, ideally before the goods arrive, so they can be released as soon as they're unloaded
- Export declarations for goods leaving the UK, with the evidence you need to zero-rate the VAT
- Commodity code classification: finding the right 10-digit code for each product, which decides your duty rate
- Duty and VAT calculation, shared with you before the goods land
- Preferential origin claims under trade agreements and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, so qualifying goods pay reduced or zero duty
- Queries and checks: dealing with HMRC if goods are selected for a documentary check or examination
- Post-clearance corrections: amending declarations and claiming back overpaid duty
Clearance-only service
Already have a forwarder, shipping line or courier moving the goods? We can clear them on their own. Send us:
- The arrival notice or booking reference
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Proof of origin, if you're claiming a preference
- Your EORI and VAT numbers
We lodge the declaration, tell you the duty and VAT due, and release the goods to your haulier.
How long clearance takes
Most import declarations are cleared within hours of being lodged. If we have your documents before the vessel or flight arrives, goods can often be released the moment they're unloaded.
If HMRC selects a shipment for a documentary check, we send the documents they ask for, usually the same day. A physical examination takes longer and is arranged at the port or an inspection facility.
Duty, VAT and how to pay
- Import duty depends on the commodity code and the country of origin. It's a cost you can't reclaim.
- Import VAT is usually 20%. VAT-registered businesses can use postponed VAT accounting to avoid paying it at the border.
- Duty can be paid shipment by shipment, or monthly through a duty deferment account.
Our guide to import duty and import VAT explains how they're calculated, with worked examples.
Getting the commodity code right
The commodity code is the most important number on your declaration. It decides your duty rate, whether a licence is needed, and whether a preference applies. A wrong code can mean overpaying on every shipment, or an HMRC demand for underpaid duty years later.
If you aren't sure of your codes, we'll classify your products before the first shipment and keep them on file. Read our guide to HS codes and tariff rates.
Goods we clear regularly
- Garments, textiles and footwear from Bangladesh, India and China
- Furniture and homeware
- Machinery and spare parts
- Food products (with the right health certificates)
- Vehicles from Japan, including NOVA notifications. See our Japan to UK page.
What you'll need
- A GB EORI number
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Proof of origin, if claiming a preferential rate
- VAT registration, if you want to use postponed VAT accounting
- Licences or certificates, for controlled goods
See our guide to getting your declaration right.
Ask us about clearing your goods. We answer within 4 working hours.