UK Customs Clearance

Customs Clearance in the UK is the notification to HMRC of goods entering or departing the country.  It is generally undertaken via specialist customs clearance software which links up to the ports in the UK and HMRC’s systems.

The requirement to pay import duties and taxes in the UK will depend on the nature of the goods you are importing.  Generally, import VAT (if applicable) is charged at 20% and duties will be applied according to the classification of the goods.  As part of our customs clearance service, we will calculate the total amount of import VAT and duty due.  You can either pay this directly to HMRC, or pay us and we will forward it on for you.

A commodity code is a universal classification system of goods.  Commonly, when you purchase goods from an overseas company, they will provide you with the commodity code(s).  You can look up codes and check UK VAT & duty rates here: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff.

Yes, you will need to apply for an EORI number for your company.  You can do so here: https://www.gov.uk/eori.

Thanks to our direct links with the major ports and airports throughout the UK, customs clearance can take a matter of hours.  This is reliant on the fact that you have provided all the information needed in advance and there are no extra checks required on your shipment.

A copy of the transport document (Sea freight – Bill of Lading; Road freight – CMR; Air freight – AWB); a copy of the commercial invoice detailing the commodity codes, incoterms i.e. FOB, CFR etc, value of the shipment and the currency; the routing of the shipment, including port of departure or arrival in the UK; and your company’s EORI number.

We require you to complete a “Letter of Direct Representation” on your company’s letterhead, this allows us to submit Customs Clearances for you.  Following the quoting stage, we will send you a template you can use for this purpose.

Depending on the nature of the consumables, you may require phytosanitary certificates, health certificates or licences to import.  If this is the first time you have imported food into the UK, then we would recommend checking what you need prior to departure.  Our team are knowledgeable and can point you in the right direction for any clarification required.