CHECK LIST OF WHAT IS NEEDED FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
If you are bringing a commercial shipment into the UK by sea, there are 6 basic things that your clearing agent will need from you in order to arrange the Customs clearance on your behalf:-
1) A copy of the supplier’s invoice showing the value of the consignment and the terms of sale (such as CIF UK Port for example)
2) A copy of the packing list showing type and number of packages, weight in kilos and volume in cubic metres. (This may not be required by if the information is included in the invoice above)
3) Your EORI number allocated to you by Customs for import purposes. More information on EORI numbers
4) The commodity code or codes for the commodity or commodities you are importing. Call the Customs tariff classification helpline (01702 366077) and describe in detail the goods you are importing. Their recorded message may suggest you go online for the classification, but if you hold on they should speak to you personally and help you identify the correct code. The Customs clearance process involves payment of import duty and import VAT (20%) on your goods. The commodity code determines the rate of import duty applicable. More information on commodity codes
5) A copy of the Bill of Lading. This should be issued to you by the supplier and faxed or scanned over to you when the goods are shipped from the country of origin. We need this document to identify the ship, the container number and arrival details. The original Bill of Lading document may be couriered to you from the country of origin and may be needed by us to obtain release of the cargo from the UK destination agent.
6) Whether FCL or LCL. If the Bill of Lading is not yet available (maybe because the goods have not yet been shipped from the other side) then ask you supplier whether the goods are being shipped as a full container load (FCL) or as a part container load (LCL) More information on LCL/FCL
- Certain imported goods are subject to restrictions and may need additional licences and certificates
- Some foodstuffs, especially those of animal origin, need additional Port Health documentation
- When importing your own used personal effects items 1-4 on the above checklist do not apply. You will need to complete form C3 which is available from DOWNLOADS on our website MENU. You will also need to provide a full inventory list detailing all items included in the shipment.
