UK Customs Clearance services

There is a sometimes bewildering number of customs documentation required in international trade, both for UK and destination customs, as well as for government departments or banking purposes.

Factually accurate and timely customs documentation is an extremely important step in the export process. Failure to complete an export entry in time can result in cargo left on quay unshipped, resulting in unnecessary storage charges and delays. It is for this reason that our experienced export department provide customers with prompt and efficient customs clearance and delivery services. By preparing all the required documentation, including the export customs formalities, we are able to ensure your shipment receives a swift passage through customs. As an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Unsworth UK take advantage of the simplified customs procedures that relate to the security and safety of customer’s goods in transit. More information on our dedicated Customs Clearance team can be found on our site.

UK Customs normally require export declarations to be made for all goods departing the UK through the National Export System (NES) to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

What is a Export Customs Entry?

It is a declaration that is legally mandatory for shipments exported from the UK, which provides details about the exporter and the cargo contents. The declaration also allows HMRC to check that you’re complying with export controls, for example licensing requirements, duty and VAT. It is important that you complete the Export Customs Entry accurately as mistakes could lead to penalties and charges.

CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) is the customs computer system which deals with all UK export declarations. Unsworth UK can make the export declaration on your behalf via NES (National Export System). This helps to make exporting simpler and faster, especially if you’re not authorised to make electronic declarations yourself.

There are a 3 main ways to declare exports under NES:

Standard Export Procedure (Full Pre-Entry): Normal procedure for both indirect and direct exports, electronically transmitted to CHIEF.

Simplified Declaration procedure (SDP): may only be used by an authorised trader or a representative. This allows the declaration of goods for export by submitting an electronic pre-shipment advice to CHIEF prior to shipment.

Local Clearance Procedure (LCP): allows goods to be entered for export at a nominated inland premise, such as the freight forwarders warehouse.

Why do Customs need Export Declarations?

Export declarations help to collect accurate statistics, facilitate checks on goods under certain customs controls, stop unauthorised returns of duty-free goods and ensure safety and security measures are followed before export.

Information required on a Customs Export Entry

Below is a list of information typically included on the declaration

• Declaration type

• EORI number
• Number of packages
• Reference number
• Consignee name
• Destination
• Dispatch country
• Location of goods
• Packing type
• Description of goods
• Country of origin
• Commodity code
• Transport ID
• Transport mode
• Customs procedure code
• Nett mass (cargo value)

Information required varies by shipments, please check with a member of our team at enquiries@unsworth.uk for more information.

Unsworth UK are the largest independent global LCL consolidator in the UK, with import and export services from over 1000 origins and destinations.

Use our online freight calculator Cargocost to get instant, competitive quotations. Alternatively, if you have an enquiry, call us on +44 (0)20 8539 8899 or if you would rather email Unsworth UK, please send us a message.