1st Time LCL Importers
UK IMPORT DOCUMENTATION AND CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
(‘LCL’ CARGO)
What exactly is LCL cargo? - When your supplier/seller sends you a small shipment which is not sufficient to fill a standard 20’ or 40’ sea freight container, his shipping agent in the country of origin may group the shipment together with a number of similar small LCL (Less than a Container Load) shipments to fill up a container. When this ‘groupage’ container arrives on a ship at the UK port, it must be moved to a Customs controlled warehouse so that the various small shipments can be unpacked from the container and presented individually to Customs for the clearance process. We have direct computer links to all the Customs controlled warehouses in the UK to ensure that we effect the fastest possible clearance.
What charges can I expect ? – Let us explain some of the terms and the relevant charges:-
1.Terminal Handling Charge:-
This is the charge levied by the operators of the UK customs controlled warehouse for handling and unpacking the container. They will apportion their unpacking charges, agency charges and petty expenses in accordance with the weight (in kilos) and the size (in cubic metres) of each consignment. They will usually demand full settlement of their invoice before permitting release of the cargo. We, as your clearance agent, cannot be sure what the handling charges will be, but we can settle them on your behalf and pass them on to you at cost with evidence of payment.
2.Customs clearance and import agency charges:-
Our fee for the clearance (fully inclusive of agency, attendance, advice, representation and local computer fees) is very approximately £50 per consignment depending on the work involved. We can provide you with a more precise quotation when we know exactly what you are importing and whether or not you require assistance with, for example, a DTI license application or a Customs TURN number application.
3.Customs Duties and VAT:-
The amount of Customs duty you pay on the importation depends on the Customs commodity code applicable to the products. A typical duty would be for example 5% of the value of the goods. If you call the Customs Tariff Classification Help line on 01702 366077 and describe your goods in detail they will give you the correct classification code. When we know this code we will be able to tell you the rate of duty from the Customs Tariff Book. We can also advise you about any licensing restrictions or any possible reduced rates of duty for countries that have preferential agreements with the EC.
VAT will also be payable to Customs on importation at 17.5% of the value but as a VAT registered trader you will claim this back against your next return. If you are not VAT registered you will have to apply for a Customs TURN number. We can help you with this.
Duty or VAT would be advanced by us to Customs on your behalf but we would request immediate reimbursement and a small administration fee (about £15) to cover the cost of the electronic payment process. Alternatively you could arrange your own ‘CHAPS’ bank transfer directly to the new Central Payments Unit in Salford but your bank
charges for this service is may be a more expensive option (£23 approx?).
4. Delivery from UK warehouse to UK destination after clearance and release:-
You can attend the Customs approved warehouse yourself to collect the goods or alternatively ask us to arrange delivery to you or to your customer. The delivery charge will depend on the distance from the warehouse to the place of delivery, the weight in kilos, and the size in cubic metres. When we have this information we can provide a firm quotation. If you require a timed delivery or a driver's help with unloading please let us know because this may also influence the delivery charge.
How do I appoint George Baker (Shipping) Ltd as my UK Customs Clearance agent?
If you would like us to arrange clearance and delivery on your behalf please tell your supplier to instruct his agent to make George Baker (Shipping) Ltd the 'Notify Party' on the Bill of Lading. This will help us to track the shipment for you. If the goods are already on the way to the UK it may be too late to make us the ‘Notify party’ but this should not be a problem. Simply ask your supplier for a copy Bill of Lading on fax or email and forward this to us ASAP.
We will keep track of the shipment for you and keep you fully informed. Please rest assured that your job would be supervised by a very experienced member of our staff who will deal with everything for you.
