Before shipping overseas it pays to check the customs rules, duties and licensing requirements at the destination. Rates change, prohibited lists change, and a wrong commodity code can cost more than the freight itself. Our customs team lodges every export declaration for our own shipments and acts as broker on UK imports for clients who want one point of accountability.
We calculate landed cost before you commit: duty on the customs value, VAT or local sales tax, excise where applicable, plus terminal and agency charges. If a preferential rate applies under a trade agreement we will tell you what proof of origin is needed to claim it.
What our customs desk handles
- UK export declarations and NES entries
- UK import entries and duty deferment
- Commodity code classification and rulings
- Certificates of origin and EUR1 preference
- DVLA V5C surrender and NOVA notifications
- Temporary admission and ATA carnets
- Bonded warehousing and duty suspension
- Dangerous goods declarations (IMDG / IATA)
Getting the paperwork right first time
Every shipment needs an accurate commercial invoice, a packing list that matches the cargo, an EORI number for the exporter and the correct incoterm. We check all four before the booking is confirmed, because a discrepancy found at the port costs storage, demurrage and often a missed sailing.
How Your Shipment Moves
Quote & booking
Rates, sailing or flight options confirmed in writing.
UK collection
Nationwide collection or delivery into our Tilbury depot.
Loading & packing
Lashing, crating, palletising and photographic record.
Customs & export
Export entry, NES clearance and documentation released.
Transit & delivery
Tracking updates until the cargo lands with your consignee.
Duty and tax at destination
Unless you specifically ask us to quote delivered duty paid, import duty and local taxes are payable by the consignee. We will give you a realistic estimate of that liability in advance and, through our agent network, can arrange for the entry to be lodged and cleared before the vessel or aircraft even arrives.