1st Time FCL Importers
IMPORT CLEARANCE PROCESS AND UK DELIVERY OF FULL CONTAINER LOAD
PROCEDURES AND INDICATIVE COSTS
UK Shipping Line Terminal Handling and Documentation (Third Party Charge) :- You normally have to pay these fees to get your FCL released at the port. These are the Shipping Line's charge for craning the container off the ship and releasing it against your Original Bill of Lading. This is not our charge but we can settle it on your behalf whilst presenting your bill of lading and then pass it on to you at cost. The Line will usually demand payment before release of the container. The charges are variable according to the size of the container and the country of origin. We anticipate a charge of between £80 and £130 for terminal handling plus about £25 for Shipping Line release documentation charges. Additionally, some shipping lines also charge a ‘ships security’ fee known as ISPS, which is normally about £1.50 - £3.50
Local Port Levy, Examination, Security / Infrastructure fees, and DTI computer fees (Third Party Charges) :- These are the ports fees. They can be settled by us on your behalf and passed on to you at cost. They vary from port to port and are usually published in the relevant port’s handbook. They are normally invoiced to the company handling the Customs clearance. You should allow about £30 per import container to cover these fees.
Our fee for Customs clearance and import documentation:- Our Import entry and documentation fee is very roughly £50 including agency but can vary a lot either way depending on the commodity imported and the level of assistance that you require.
Customs Duties and VAT:- The amount of Customs duty you pay on the products imported depends on the relevant Customs commodity codes. If you are not familiar with commodity codes and duty rates applicable to your goods, you can contact the Customs Tariff Classification helpline on 01702 366077. Please note, we are happy to assist with classification but the UK importer is ultimately legally responsible for classifying imported goods. When we know the code we can tell you the rate of duty from the Customs Tariff Book. We can also advise on possible import licensing restrictions or reduced rates on importations from countries that have preferential agreements with the EC. VAT will also be payable to Customs on importation at 17.5% of the value but if you are a VAT registered trader you will be able claim this back against your next return. Duty or VAT may advanced by us to Customs on your behalf but we usually request immediate reimbursement and a small administration fee (approx £15.00) to cover the cost of the CHAPS transfer or the deferment facility. Alternatively you may arrange your own CHAPS bank transfer directly to H.M.Customs at Salford.
Customs examination
If the Customs anti smuggling select your container for a random X-ray examination please note that you may incur an additional charge of about £45 from the port for the work done in presenting the container. Again this is a fee that we would settle on your behalf and then pass on at cost.
Container delivery
The normal and most cost effective procedure is as follows. Your container is delivered to your premises for unpacking at a pre agreed time but the empty container must be immediately returned to the Shipping Line at the port. The container will therefore remain on the vehicle whilst being unloaded and approx three hours unloading will be allowed. The driver will wait whilst you unload the container but after three hours have elapsed additional ‘demurrage charges’ may apply. We can arrange the delivery for you and the ‘round trip’ price will depend on the distance from the port of arrival to the place of delivery. To deliver a container from the Port of Felixstowe to London and then return the empty to Felixstowe might cost something like £350.00 ‘round trip’. Things like fuel surcharges or tri-axle surcharges (heavy weight container) might influence the final cost.
The price would be similar for either a 40’ or a 20’ container. Some shipping Lines may apply a ‘Lift on Lift Off’ charge for craning the loaded container on to our lorry and craning the empty container off. Where applicable we will have no option but to pass this charge on. Please allow approx £44 total for a 20’ del and approx £60 total for a 40’ delivery.
Distribution
If you think you may prefer us to unpack the container for you at our warehouse at the port of arrival and then distribute to your customers directly, we will be pleased to quote for this work.
