About Global Custom

Question 1

What is customs clearance?

Answer

Customs clearance is a process compulsory for all goods entering or leaving the EU. Customs clearance allows HM Customs & Excise to account for any due charges, ensure correct documentation has been used and conformity to EU law. It also allows Customs to monitor which goods are coming into or leaving the UK.

Question 2

‍‍Why should I use a customs agent?

Answer

Customs agents are there to facilitate a professional service between HM Customs & Excise and importers/exporters. Our agents have significant understanding the Customs rules and regulations applicable and are therefore best suited to provide assistance.

Question 3

Where can you complete UK customs clearance?

Answer

We can complete Import UK customs clearance for your shipments at the following Airports and Sea ports.
Airports: London Gatwick Airport, London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted Airport, London City Airport, London Luton Airport, Birmingham, East Midlands Airport, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds and Edinburgh.
Sea Ports: Any UK port including Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Grangemouth, Tilbury, Thames port, Dover and Greenock.

Question 4

‍How do we customs clear cargo in other ports?

Answer

We are based in Southeast England. Thanks to changes in technology, remote access to other port community systems around the coasts of the UK make it possible to access all systems from one location.

Question 5

How long does customs clearance take?

Answer

The customs clearance process can vary from shipment to shipment and is dependent on what goods are entering the country, once goods have entered the UK port. Certain products may need additional documentation checks or a physical examination to ensure that declarations are correct.

Question 6

‍What supporting customs clearance documentation do I require?

Answer

Basic documentation would be:
1. Shipping document ( Bill of Lading – original or telex)
2. Supplier’s commercial invoice
3. Packing list
Other documentation required for specific goods would be:
1. Certificate of Origin
2. Preference Certificates
3. Health certificates ( for foodstuffs etc )
4. COA
5. Organic certificate
Note: Importers should check before they ship if any special documentation is required.

Question 7

Who decides how much import duties and taxes I have to pay?

Answer

UK VAT is currently 20%. Duty is dependent on the type of product being imported. All duty rates are set out by Brussels for the EU, and are payable upon free circulation within the EU.
All goods are classified into commodity codes. The duty and VAT amount vary for each commodity. Importers are responsible for the classification of the codes. However, if you need advice you can call 03000588454.

Question 8

‍How to calculate customs clearance charges?

Answer

There are a number of methods that will help you calculate your customs clearance charges. You might be looking to calculate the transactional value or price payable ‍The duration of customs clearance can vary widely depending on several factors, including the nature of the goods, the efficiency of the customs authority, and the completeness and accuracy of the provided documentation. Typically, it can range from a few hours to several days.
Utilising experienced customs brokers and ensuring all documents are correctly filled out can significantly expedite this process.

Question 9

‍How can I pay for import duties and taxes?

Answer

Your customs clearance agent will advise you how much duty and VAT is required to be paid. You can pay customs directly or you can pay us first and we will pay customs on your behalf.

Question 10

‍Where can I find more information on customs clearance?

Answer

Further information on customs clearance, their rules and regulations, service standards and details of your local Customs clearance office can be found on their website: www.gov.uk/starting-to-import‍

Question 11

‍What happens after customs clearance?

Answer

We provide you with copies of all documentation completed on your behalf, which have been lodged with HMRC. All documents will be archived for at least 4 years.

Question 12

‍I am importing for the first time – How do I know the products I will import are allowed into the EU?

Answer

Some commodities, firearms and explosives for example, cannot be imported into the EU unless by an authorised person. If you have any doubts about whether your goods are approved in the EU, feel free to contact us prior to shipment. Details of restricted goods can be found on the UK Customs website: www.gov.uk/guidance/import-controls. Alternatively, please check with a member of our experienced team who would be happy to assist.

Question 13

‍I am moving my personal effects/ moving abroad, what do I do?

Answer

In order to attain VAT and duty relief for personal effects upon import, specific conditions must be met. If you have recently returned to the UK, lived overseas for a minimum of one year, and have owned the goods for 6 months, no VAT and duty are required. Goods can still be imported if they do not fall under these criteria but duty and VAT may be applicable. If you are importing a car, the relief of VAT and duty will depend on the purpose of the vehicle.

Question 14

‍Can I import foodstuffs?

Answer

The majority of foodstuffs are okay to import when accompanied by relevant official documentation. Certain food items would need additional documentation to be lodged with port health. Importers are required to ensure all documents are in place before goods are imported.

About Global Custom

Expertise Meets Efficiency

Businesses trust us because we offer:

Our Customs Services

UK Import & Export Customs Clearance

Port Health & SPS Release

Safety & Security Declarations

ATA Carnet Specialists

Temporary Import & Export Procedures

Why Choose Global Custom

Speed & Accuracy

Compliance‑Focused

Transparent Communication

Specialists, Not Generalists

Our Commitment

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