1st Time Importers

A) Fundamental Customs requirements for imported goods. Indentifying how much import duty is payable on arrival UK.

When you import goods into the UK it is essential that they're ‘classified’ and given classification codes in order to identify what duties and controls apply.  Import duty rates vary depending on the type of goods imported. Customs classification codes identify goods for duty purposes.    

If you are a first time importer, we can help explain the process for you but it is important to understand that classification is your legal responsibility.

Whether or not you have an agent who handles the customs entries and Customs clearance on your behalf, you have a legal responsibility to ensure the correct classification number is obtained for your imported goods. If you call the Customs classification help line and obtain the classification code that will be an important first step. This information will help us to help you.

Incorrect classification can lead to delays in clearing goods, unnecessary overpayment of duty, and possible underpayment of duties resulting in penalties being incurred.

 

HELPLINES -There are free UK Customs help lines available as follows:-

(1)
H.M. Revenue & Customs      National Advice Service Helpline
0845 010 9000
Assistance with Import Duty, Excise Duty and Vat.

 

(2)
H.M. Revenue and Customs  Tariff Classification Helpline
01702 366077
Assistance with classification of imported goods 

B) General procedures at the UK Port of arrival – Tracking the arrival of the cargo.

We can deal with this for you. No problem.  In order to explain the procedures at the port of arrival we just need to understand whether you importation by sea is a full container load (FCL) or a part container load (LCL). Your supplier will know whether your goods are being shipped FCL or LCL.   

 

(1)
FCL (Full container load)  means that you have sufficient cargo to make it economically viable to have your goods shipped from the country of origin in your own dedicated 20’ or 40’ container.   A 20’ container has a payload of approx 22 tons and the capacity to hold about 33 cubic metres. A 40’ container has a payload of approx 27 tons and the capacity to hold about 67 cubic metres. Click here to view costings and procedures

 

(2)
LCL (Less than a container load) means that you do NOT have  enough cargo to make it economically viable to ship a full container. Under these circumstances your supplier or his agent will arrange for your goods to be consolidated together with other shipments in a container so that you only pay freight charges on the part  of the container that your goods occupy. Click here to view costings and procedures