What the service involves
Every movement of goods between the UK and the European Union needs a customs declaration – an export declaration in the country of dispatch and an import declaration in the country of destination. In the UK, declarations are made in CDS (Customs Declaration Service), run by HMRC.
A declaration includes the commodity code (HS code), customs value, country of origin and procedure, among other details. These determine the duty and VAT due, and a mistake in a single field can mean goods held at the port, extra charges or a penalty.
As your UK customs broker and customs clearance agent, we act as your business's customs representative – usually under direct representation, meaning in the name and on behalf of your business. For businesses not established in the UK, we can offer indirect representation by agreement.
- the HMRC system where we submit declarations
- CDS
- the declaration number your haulier receives
- MRN
- contact and documents in two languages
- EN / PL
What the service includes
- We check the invoice, packing list and shipment details
- We assign commodity codes (HS codes) and the customs procedure
- We calculate duty and import VAT before dispatch
- We submit the import or export declaration in CDS
- We pass the MRN to your haulier – for the GMR
- We answer HMRC queries and help with inspections
Not included
- We don't arrange transport – your haulier or freight forwarder does that
- We don't provide credit for duty and VAT – the importer pays these, usually in advance
What we need to get started
To clear goods on behalf of your business, we need:
- An EORI number starting with GB
- A signed customs clearance services agreement – authorising us to act before HMRC
- Company details: name, address, VAT number
- An agreed way of paying duty and VAT – prepayment or deferment
- Origin information, if you want to claim EU–UK preferential duty
Most common reasons for delays
- A vague description of goods on the invoice that doesn't match the HS code
- A missing or incorrect EORI number
- Missing licences or certificates (e.g. veterinary or excise goods)
- A declaration submitted only after the goods have arrived
Customs charges – duty, import VAT and excise – are always settled in pounds sterling (GBP). If we pay them on behalf of your business, we need the funds before clearance.
Step by step
- 1
You send the documents
The invoice, packing list, haulier details and planned crossing date – by email or through the form.
- 2
We check the details
We verify descriptions, values and weights and assign HS codes and the procedure. If anything is missing, we tell you straight away.
- 3
We calculate the charges
For imports, we give you an estimate of duty and VAT before the goods set off – no surprises at the border.
- 4
We submit the declaration in CDS
An export declaration before departure or an import declaration before the goods arrive. We receive the MRN.
- 5
We pass on the references
Your haulier gets the MRN for the GMR. The driver arrives at the port with a full set of references.
- 6
Release of the goods
We monitor the declaration status, answer HMRC queries and confirm release or export of the goods.
Documents needed
For every shipment – the more complete the details, the faster the clearance:
- Commercial invoice – exporter and importer details, description of goods, value, currency, delivery terms (Incoterms)
- Packing list – number of packages, gross and net weight
- EORI numbers of the importer and exporter
- Vehicle and trailer registration numbers, haulier, border crossing
- Transport cost – for imports, to calculate the customs value
- Certificates, licences or a statement on origin – where they apply to the goods
Templates to download
Packing list – business shipment
Template for businesses: seller and buyer with EORI and VAT numbers, goods description, HS code, quantity, value, weight, country of origin and Incoterms.
XLSX · 18 KB · English and Polish
Packing list – private individual
Template for private individuals sending or selling goods (other than a house move): seller and buyer, description, HS code, quantity, value, weight and country of origin.
XLSX · 18 KB · English and Polish
Customs Clearance Services Agreement
Agreement for businesses: company details, scope of representation before HMRC (direct or indirect), customs charges and payment terms.
PDF · 284 KB · English
