UK Imports & Customs Clearance
UK ⇆ ImportsContact form
DFS worldwide can custom clear all types of UK imports with any complexity, whether you have full load sea freight container or a small air freight shipment.
Page index:
Our Services
We are specialised in clearing commercial and personal effects and house hold goods. In order for us to be able to clear your goods, please ask your issuing agent at origin to add “DFS Worldwide“ as the notify party on your air way bill.
- Distribution service in UK and Europe:We have daily distribution services within the UK and a 2 days service for delivery into any European destination. You will be able to track and trace your parcels online
- NCTS processing for EU consignments
- Transhipment clearance services
- ETSF removal
Please send a copy of your air way bill to: [email protected] with your contact details. Our team will contact you and go through all procedures, get your goods cleared and deliver to your door step.
Air Imports Customs clearance
We provide Customs clearance from the following UK ports:
- London Heathrow Airport
- London Gatwick Airport
- London Gateway Seaport
- Liverpool Seaport
- Belfast Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Manchester AirportCustoms clearance
- Gatwick Airport Customs Clearance
- Stansted Customs Clearance
- Felixstowe Customs clearance
- Southampton Seaport Customs clearance
- Dover Customs Clearance
- Aberdeen Airport
UK Air Import Consolidation Service
DFS Worldwide is also specialised in air import consolidation services. We are able to receive your air import consolidated into Heathrow airport, move it to our bonded warehouse, break down your goods and custom clear them.
Using our bonded warehouse helps our customers to save storage charges and also provides them with a logistics solution to distribute their goods in the UK and Europe and deliver their customers' goods through DFS distribution channels easily and smoothly.
DFS Worldwide processes air imports clearance 7 days a week. You do not need to be worried about storage charges at the airport which applies to any goods that is not cleared within 24 hours of the goods arrival.
Our experienced staff custom clear your goods on the same day of the arrival of your shipment or latest by the following day depending on what time your goods arrive at the airport. After your goods are custom cleared we can deliver the goods to you on the following day.
If you would like to appoint DFS to do the custom clearance for you please email copy of your air way bill to: [email protected]
Low Value Goods
Goods imported by Airfreight into London Heathrow, Gatwick Airport and Manchester International Airport can be customs cleared into the United Kingdom without the need to pay Vat & Duty Taxes. You might want to see: UK trades in numbers 2017
Intrastat
If your purchases from EU countries exceed an annual threshold you must also complete an Intrastat arrivals (EU imports) declaration. Imports from countries outside the EU do not count towards the Intrastat threshold and do not need to be included. Intrastat thresholds are reviewed annually. The thresholds for arrivals is £1.5 million. See the guide on Intrastat - reporting the value and volume of intra-EU trade.
Brexit Customs Clearance
Brexit means that for the first time in 4 decades, the UK will have to renegotiate its trade and economic relationship with its leading trading partner. Approximately half of all imports and exports are done with Europe currently is this will be a change that has a massive import on UK Businesses involved in international trade.
↑ Top
Sea imports clearance FAQ
Are you ready to Import?
Get your business ready to import and/or, if you are an individual moving to the UK, or simply want to make a one-off import, we can help you achieving this by providing a flawless step-by-step guidance. You are making an Import when buying or sending goods from outside the UK into the Country. The procedure for importing involves ensuring that licensing and compliance are met before shipping the goods, arranging for transport and warehousing, getting the customs clearance, and paying due taxes before the release of the goods.
Do you have the correct documentation?
The first item that mustn’t be overlooked relates to the documentation required to Import and what should be included in the papers such as:
Information on the exporter and the importer (name and address), date of issue, invoice number, description of the goods, quantities and measurement units, total invoice value and currency of payment, the terms of payment and the terms of delivery according to the appropriate Incoterm.
Are you registered to Import with the Government?
- If your business is registered abroad, you will need to apply for a VAT number.
- If you are UK based, an EORI number is required. The application process is very easy and the HMRC normally responds within a couple of days. You need an EORI number that starts with GB to import goods into England, Wales or Scotland. You'll need a new one if you have an EORI that does not start with GB. If you move goods to or from Northern Ireland, you may need one that starts with XI.
Do you know the terms of the business?
Understanding Incoterms is essential to establish the rights and responsibilities of both the buyer and the seller. Please refer to our Incoterms Section in this page or call us for further clarification.
How do I pay VAT and Duty? Am I somehow exempt?
- Duty is a very important customs fee that you must be aware of, and it is payable on goods originating from abroad. The value to pay, if not Duty free, is subject to the Harmonised Code, also known as HS Code. You’ll need to include the commodity code on your import declaration. This will determine the rate of duty you need to pay, if an import licence is required. the import VAT, customs duties and other charges levied on the goods. Also, it is important to understand the preferential treatments that may apply to their import, and the restrictions and prohibitions that may apply to the same or the transit of the goods.
- Each Import requires a value, hence any inbound freight requires a Commercial Invoice. The value will help to work out how much VAT and Duty is needed.
- You may be able to pay less or no Customs Duty if the UK has a trade agreement with the country you're importing from. You’ll need to classify the goods you import with the right commodity code, to check they meet the rules of origin, and get proof of their origin. We can provide you with all the relevant information or, if you prefer, to directly search on the HMRC and Customs website at : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/finding-commodity-codes-for-imports-or-exports
- Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) is a way for UK VAT-registered businesses to account for import VAT at a later stage. Businesses can record the VAT on their VAT Return rather than paying it immediately upon entry of the goods into the United Kingdom. There may be situations where PVA is not the best option such as donated goods or where a purchase order / supplier invoice is not being used.
- If only moving or returning to the UK, you can apply for a ToR1 (Transfer of residence relief). Tor1 is a document used by individuals moving to the United Kingdom who want to import their personal belongings without paying customs duties and taxes.
What’s my Customs Procedure Code?
Every Import declaration requires a Customs Procedure Code (CPC). This is a pre-defined HMRC code that enables to describe the purpose of your overseas shipment. The code is used to determine how your shipment will be processed and how the duties and taxes, if applicable, will be collected. There are many CPC codes available, and it can be daunting to try and find the right one. We can help you to determine the correct one on our system connected to HMRC.
The fundamentals to Import might seem disconcerting or challenging, however in reality, it is a simple process that is tailored to each individual case. We can help you, regardless of the situation, providing you with a gradual professional guidance throughout all the stage of the process.
What does customs clearance mean?
Customs clearance is a mandatory process for goods entering the country so they can enter the UK legally. This process involves submission of documentation and information about the goods being imported to ensure they comply with the UK laws and regulations, including safety, health, and environmental standards. It also involves the assessment and payment of applicable taxes, duties and charges.
What documents are required for customs clearance in the UK?
- Bill of lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
What is the customs clearance process?
- Presentation of required documents.
- Assessment of goods by customs to determine applicable duties and taxes.
- Payment of duties, taxes and any other charges.
- Compliance check with UK laws and regulations.
- Release of the goods for delivery to the final destination.
How long does it take and what causes a delay?
It generally takes a couple of days for customs clearance but for several reasons including incorrect or incomplete documentation, non-compliance with local regulations, congestion at customs facilities or the need for additional inspections. Using an experienced agent who understand the import regulations and ensuring accurate and complete paperwork can help minimize these risks of delay.
What are the duties and taxes involved in importing goods to the UK?
Import duties and VAT are typically applicable on all imports to the UK. The duty rate varies depending on the type of goods and the HS code. VAT is generally charged at 20%. HS Code is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. The correct HS code for your goods can be found on the UK trade tariff.
What is Bulk Import Reduced Data Set (BIRDS)?
Importers in the UK can save on duty and tax by bulk clearing several consignments of low-value items, instead of declaring each individual consignment. Read more
Do I need an EORI number?
To trade internationally in the EU, a business or individual needs to have an EORI number. Traders from outside the EU who ship to an EU country don't need their own EORI number, but they do need to provide their recipient or importer's EORI number on the commercial invoice. You must be EORI registered in order to be able to import commercial goods to the UK. We can also help you to register for EORI number.
↑ Top
Process of clearing customs in the UK
Being a mandatory process for goods entering or leaving the country, any shipment must be submitted electronically to the appropriate authorities. This ensures that your goods are compliant with the government laws and regulations - appropriate standards and safe for health and to the environment. Assessing the payment of applicable duties, charges and other taxes, it is also an important part of “clearing goods”. You will only benefit by using our services at a very competitive cost.
Normally, the time it takes to clear Customs is subject to many different factors; therefore, it can take from a few hours to a few days. The nature of the goods, the HMRC Agents efficiency and the accuracy of the documentation provided, are the most important assets in terms of time. Either for Exports or Imports, we aim:
- to clear the goods on the day of arrival or departure
- to deliver to your door or to the airline on the same day; or the next day, depending how far the location is from our depots.
Our Imports and Exports Staff are experts in clearing the goods timely, spotting inaccuracies, and mitigating potential problems. Their deep knowledge on tariff codes ( Harmonised Codes ) is second to none, adding to the intensive training receive to operate the systems implemented by HMRC and Customs.
In other words...
Once the customs clearance is completed, all the appopriate taxes paid, approved by the autorities and ready to leave or entering the country, your shipment will be sent to its final destination, safe and sound.
Key Steps
- Present specific documents such as a commercial invoice and packing list, plus the AWB ( Air Way Bill ). An “Air Way Bill” is exactly the same to your shipment as it would be for you when boarding an aircraft as a passenger. In the same way, these documents are equivalent to your passport and the visa, authorising you to travel and cross borders.
- On Imports, the Customs will access the amount of taxes to pay, if any. We can obviously offer in depth guidance on this matter, even considering the possibility of getting your goods tax free under the commercial convention agreements and certificates of origin, when applicable.
- Once the customs give the “all clear“ by setting up a status in the computerised system linked to us, your freight is ready to be released and delivered to you.
All these checks happen in designated Customs Examination Posts, situated in airports. We can clear goods in many areas around the country, e.g. London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham and even in Aberdeen. DFS holds clearance badges at all these airports, therefore it is able to clear for Imports and Exports offering a wider range in geographic logistics.
However, delays in Customs Clearance do occur frequently; we highly recommend you to use an expert for this service. Submitting the wrong details, a simple typo in the documentation, non compliance, unregulated products among others, are the main causes for delays.
It is important to be aware of the regulations, regardless of being an Export or an Import, and consider every single element first before making the next move. DFS does take this approach very seriously - a step-by-step thorough checking process to eliminate mistakes.
We handle this matter as a management project led by in-house experts to ensure a perfect and robust service.
Our role is, mainly, to facilitate the Import and the Export process with in-depth guidance, following the Government Compliance. As such, we commit ourselves to:
- prepare Documentation
- follow Tariff Code Guidance
- do Duty and Taxes assessment
- identify opportunities for business efficiency
- perform the Customs Declaration
AND
to give you peace of mind, you will experience a flawless service if you choose us!
Incoterms
Incoterms are a set of internationally recognised rules which define the responsibility of sellers and buyers. Your Team is qualified to every single incoterm in place. Please, see below the most used ones in trading and commerce.
FCA
The FCA Incoterm is an agreement that means “Free Carrier” where the seller's obligations are to deliver the cargo to an agreed-upon port, known as the “Named Place.” The seller is responsible for exporting the shipment, and all steps before that.
CPT
Incoterms CPT is short for "Carriage Paid To" Under CPT Incoterms, the seller clears the goods and arranges carriage to the named place of destination
CIP
One of the most versatile Incoterms.
The CIP Incoterm or “Carriage and Insurance Paid to” states that the seller is responsible for bringing the goods to the destination, the cost of international freight, as well as insurance costs.
Under CIP, the Incoterms risk transfer point is different from the cost transfer point. The CIP risk transfer takes place when the goods have been accepted by the shipping carrier, be it at the terminal or Airport.
DAP
This is an incoterm that stands for “Delivered at Place”.
The seller is responsible for arranging carriage and for delivering the goods, ready for unloading from the arriving means of transport at the named place.
DDP
This is an incoterm that stands for “Delivered Duty Paid”.
This is used in air freight importing. When shipping under this Incoterm, the maximum responsibility is placed on the seller. DDP can be too risky as the seller is responsible for the delivery, Taxes, Duties, Documentation, Inspections, Proof of Delivery and any damage in transit. Under this term, the Seller must be well aware of the destination rules and regulations.
↑ Top
Import Tariffs, Costs & Charges
Please see below points in order to get a general idea of how you can work out an estimate of what Import Customs Duty & VAT you will pay on imports into the United Kingdom.(Applies to importing goods from EU, China, India, Middle East, US or anywhere else in the world)- Convert the value of your goods into UK Pounds Sterling using the official UK HM Revenue & Customs exchange rate. These can be found on the UK HM Revenue & Excise website.
- Calculate the total value of your goods for UK HM Revenue & Customs purposes.
This simply means that dependant on the shipping terms of your consignment you may have to add the shipping costs to the purchase price of your goods to give you the “total value” to declare. Whether you are importing by sea freight into the UK ports of Southampton, Felixstowe, Tilbury or air freighting into London Heathrow Airport or Manchester UK you will still need to include the shipping costs.
- Now you need to calculate the basic estimated Import Duty.
To do this you take the value of the imported goods plus the shipping costs in UK Pounds Sterling and then establish what “ UK Customs Tariff Heading” your goods are defined as. This is a 10 Digit number which our London Heathrow Airport or Manchester International Airport teams will be happy to help you find or you can visit the European TARIC website, then simply multiply the “UK Sterling customs value” by the duty percentage given on the website.
- Calculating the Import VAT costs.
Add the UK HM Revenue and Customs Duty Taxes that you have just calculated (If any) to the total customs value of your goods (as above point 2) then multiply by 20%. This will give you the approximate UK HM Revenue and Customs Vat payable on your import consignment into Manchester International, London Heathrow, Tilbury or Felixstowe UK. Customs Vat and Duty taxes are payable immediately to UK HM Revenue and Customs when your goods are entered into the United Kingdom.
