Services
Import/Export Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is mandatory for any goods entering or leaving a country. The process requires the submission of various export and import documentation, as well as the payment of duties, VAT and any additional costs such as storage and testing by customs agents.
Typically, customs takes only minutes or hours to clear. However, if there’s missing documentation or goods need an inspection, it can stretch much longer–days or weeks. The goods will be withheld until all required documentation is supplied or customs has completed its checks.
How are customs charges calculated?
This is a tax levied by the government on all imported goods. The amount of the tax is determined by the commodity code and associated duty rating for the product. You can find UK commodity codes on the government’s Trade Tariff website.
Typically, this charge is levied on the cost of the goods, the shipping charges and any import duty. This is collectively known as the ‘taxable import’. The rate of VAT (value-added tax) varies by country – it is currently 20% in the UK.
In addition to the fees mentioned prior, importers may also need to pay for goods held by customs. If a product needs to be checked for safety or quality standards, the importer will be charged. Also, if storage is needed beyond the free-time period, there will be an additional fee.
GVMS
What is GVMS?
GVMS associates the Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) for all declarations lodged beforehand in a shipment to a single Goods Movement Record (GMR) that designates the truck/trailer license plate. Each GMR encompasses information for one crossing by one vehicle and can be used once. The haulier only needs to show the GMR to the carrier (ferry, shuttle train) at the frontier to establish that all of their goods have had declarations lodged beforehand.
GVMS may be utilized in transit. When cargo enters a country through a border crossing, it must be delivered to the customs Office of Transit at the border. GVMS-linked ports allow “digital” delivery of the Office of Transit function. This implies that trucks do not have to go physically through an Office of Transit when entering a new country.
How does GVMS work?
Upon check-in at the port, the carrier will use GVMS to verify the GMR presented to them and cross-check the details of the GMR with the vehicle. Vehicles will be turned away at check-in if a valid GMR cannot be presented or if their registration number(s) do not match those on the GMR.
GVMS automatically updates the status of goods in CDS as soon as they board the EU side so that UK import declarations can be processed by HMRC en route to the UK. Once the vehicle and/or trailers have embarked on the crossing, the platform will send an electronic notification through CDS when inbound goods are successfully cleared before they arrive in customs. This allows for a quicker turnover time and reduces any hassle associated with international travel.
If the GVMS determines that the movement requires inspection, a notification will be sent within 30 minutes after embarkation. Those vehicles must report to a customs inspection centre upon arrival, where customs officials will update GVMS once the property has been cleared.
For transit shipments, the transit declaration will be automatically updated in NCTS on the basis of the TAD data entered in GVMS prior to departure in the EU. In order for this to work, the haulier/transport companies must receive the TAD/MRN from the trader and input the data in GVMS along with the license plate number of the truck/trailer. Transit movements do not require a CSP or CDS badge, however, an NCTS UK badge is required to end the transit movement.
IPAFFS
Pro Customs Solutions can raise import notifications and CHEDs on the IPAFFS system for food products entering the UK. Our team has experience in the importation of food products from around the world and an in-depth understanding of the requirements for food products entering the EU.
If the check reveals unsatisfactory results, the shipment may be re-dispatched outside of the EU, destroyed, or in rare cases modified. The person accountable for the consignment is responsible for all costs of destruction.
You have one month to appeal the re-exportation or destruction of your consignment after receiving notice, and more information is available on the paperwork you received.
T1 Transit Document
A T1 is a transit document which allows for goods which originated outside the European Union to move freely within the European Union. The accompanying document ensures that no customs duties or taxes are payable as the shipment moves from one country to the next within the European Union. Once the shipment arrives at its intended final destination then the relevant customs clearance requirements will take place and the T1 will be discharged.
EU Customs Clearance
We are your full-service customs agent with world-class knowledge about customs, a strong European network and we are always close to the main logistics agents. Our professionals make sure that your customs formalities are error-free and that you are aware of the latest developments in respect of customs law and its impact on your situation.
Our customs clearance experts help maintain your customs compliance and safeguard against overpaying customs taxes.
We work alongside agents in various EU Countries who are experts in the field of customs clearance.
PEACH
The PEACH system helps you comply with pre-notification requirements for certain consignments being imported into Great Britain.
PEACH can be used for consignments of fruit, vegetables, nuts and plants covered by the Great Britain Marketing Standards and consignments of goods covered by plant health regulations.
At Pro Customs Solutions can raise PEACH notifications for plants, fruit and vegetable products entering the UK. Our team has a great deal of experience in the importation of those products from around the world and an in depth understanding of requirements entering from the EU.
Freight
Pro Customs Solutions can arrange movements for Air, Sea and Road freight. We have a wealth of knowledge and local relationships both EU and rest of the world to help move your goods where required.
If it’s a spot rate or a fixed rate over a longer term that you’re in the market for, Pro Customs Solutions will be able to help.
Offering access to multiple shipping lines, airlines and EU hauliers for both LCL and FCL loads, we are able to provide rates other agents can not.
Insurance
With Pro Customs Solutions arranging your freight, safeguard your cargo against accidental damages during its journey. Carriers such as shipping lines and airlines provide only limited liability in the event of loss or damage to goods based on weight related compensation.
By obtaining additional insurance with Pro Customs Solutions you can ensure that your goods are fully protected whilst in transit.
HOW DOES IT WORK
Send your documents
Simply email us a copy of your commercial invoice and any relevant shipping documentation (packing lists, CMR's etc) together with a completed copy of our simplified instruction sheet.
We will do the rest
We will complete your entry on your behalf and communicate with HM Revenue and Customs for any customs inspections and queries where necessary on your behalf.
Receive your entry documents
We will email you with your entry number and your documentation for full transparency on all your customs declarations.
Major UK Ports we cover
- Felixstowe
- London Gateway
- Southampton
- Liverpool
- Humber Ports (Immingham/ Hull/Killingholme)
- Harwich
- Thames River (Purfleet/Tilbury)
- Poole
- Plymouth
- Portsmouth
- Medway
Major UK Airports we cover
Heathrow
Manchester
Birmingham
Stanstead
