This checklist applies to import shipping into the UK. If you are unsure of what you are doing at any stage, you ought to seek clarification from your appointed UK freight forwarder – they are the experts.
1. Which INCOTERM have you agreed with your supplier?
This matters because an INCOTERM will set out who is responsible for the risk, organising and paying for which leg of the journey of your shipment. We could talk all day about this topic, see this post for more information if INCOTERM means nothing to you.
2. Sea, air or road freight?
Now you have your buying term organised for your shipping, you have to decide whether your shipment should go via sea, air or road freight. Obviously the main difference between air and sea is transit time. If your shipment is urgent enough to warrant paying the extra, then opt for air freight. If you are lucky enough to have some time, or if your shipment is particularly bulky or heavy, sea or road freight are good options. You may think your shipment might be too small for sea freight – how will you fill a shipping container? That’s where LCL (less than container load) (or LTL if you are using road) shipping comes in. Your shipment is consolidated with lots of other shipments destined for the UK and loaded into one shared container. Discuss your transit options with your freight forwarder if you are still undecided, or call our team, we handle air freight and full and part container sea freight shipping.
3. Weights & Dimensions
In order to get an accurate quote for your import shipping you need to make sure the size and weight of your shipment are correct. Discrepancies can cause delays or changes in cost, particularly if you are shipping via LCL (less than container load) or air freight.
4. Which port in the UK should I import in to?
General rule of thumb is to ship your goods to your nearest port (or airport). This will keep costs down once your shipment has arrived and you need to organise the onward delivery to your door. Most sea freight routes have options for multiple UK ports, some are more limited. If you end up importing into a port a distance away from your UK base, your freight forwarder can arrange for part of your delivery leg to be made by rail (keeping costs and emissions down), this is only an option if you are importing a full container load. Our import team are well versed at balancing road and rail delivery options, contact them to discuss your requirements (or complete the form below).
5. UK Customs clearance
Now we’re thinking about what to do once your shipment has arrived into the UK. Next up is customs clearance. You’ll ideally need a freight forwarder to complete the customs clearance of your import shipment. Mercator handles customs clearances at multiple UK ports and airports, we can also handle the onward delivery to your door, so complete the form below and we can put a quote together for you.
6. Import Paperwork
Speaking of customs clearance, you’ll need to get some paperwork together so that your freight forwarder can do this accurately on your behalf. Make sure you have a copy of the transport document (sea freight: bill of lading; air freight: airway bill; road freight: CMR), commercial invoice, commodity codes (usually on the commercial invoice), the INCOTERM, value of the shipment and the freight, UK port of arrival and your company’s EORI number. This looks like a long list, you should have all of this already, but you will need to make sure your freight forwarder has copies too to ensure smooth customs clearance and delivery.
7. Are you shipping anything that is restricted?
That could be dangerous goods, or something that needs control when it arrives in the UK, i.e. foodstuffs. You’ll need to make sure your freight forwarder knows all of this before the shipment starts its journey, especially if it is dangerous goods. Dangerous goods need special handling and notifications. Not all freight forwarders can handle dangerous goods, make sure yours can – like Mercator!
8. Import VAT & Duty
Lastly, check your commodity codes and ensure you are aware of the levels of import VAT and/or duty you will be required to pay – you can have a look at the UK tariff here. Check with your accountant if you can make use of Postpone VAT Accounting (PVA), and find out whether you can reclaim any import VAT paid to HMRC. Appoint a freight forwarder who can handle payments to HMRC on your behalf, this will take out another level of administration for you.
If you need a freight forwarder to handle your import shipping to the UK, then get in touch with Mercator. We have been in the business for over 30 years and in that time helped hundreds of companies with their import shipping. Our expert import team have the knowledge and tools to make sure your import shipping is completed smoothly and simply. Don’t get in a muddle with it, just make sure you find an expert who can help you. Our team will be happy to assist: (+44) 02392 756 575; sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk; or complete the form below.
