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Customs Freight
Services
UK import and export customs clearance at all major ports and airports. Post-Brexit specialists. We handle classification, declarations, and compliance so you can focus on your business.
Customs clearance is the process by which goods entering or leaving the UK are declared to HMRC and any applicable duties, taxes, and compliance requirements are fulfilled. Since Brexit, customs clearance is required for all goods moving between the UK and EU countries as well as non-EU countries. Getting it wrong costs time and money. Incorrect commodity codes, missing documentation, or underpaid duties can result in shipments held at the border, fines, and retrospective demands for unpaid duty from HMRC.
GoodFreight manages UK import customs clearance and UK export customs clearance across all major ports and airports. We cover London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, East Midlands, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Prestwick for air. For sea, we cover Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Hull, Liverpool, Kings Lynn, Wisbech, Teesport, Edinburgh, Ipswich, and Bristol. We classify your goods correctly, prepare and submit declarations through the HMRC Customs Declaration Service, advise on duty rates and available reliefs, and manage any customs examination or queries.
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How it works
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GoodFreight at a glance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an HS code and why does it matter?
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An HS code, or Harmonised System code, is a standardised numerical classification used to identify goods for customs purposes worldwide. The code determines the applicable duty rate for imports, whether any licences or restrictions apply, and how the goods are treated at the border. Using the wrong HS code leads to incorrect duty calculation and potential compliance issues. HMRC can challenge classification retrospectively and issue demands for underpaid duties. We classify your goods under the correct code before preparing the customs declaration, not after an issue arises.
What is import VAT and can I reclaim it?
Import VAT is charged on most goods entering the UK in addition to any customs duty. The standard rate is 20 percent of the customs value of the goods plus any applicable customs duty. For VAT-registered businesses in the UK, import VAT can usually be reclaimed in full as input tax on your VAT return, provided the goods are used for VAT-taxable business activities and the import has been correctly declared. We advise on import VAT treatment as part of the clearance service.
Do you handle customs clearance for UK to Turkey shipments?
Yes. UK to Turkey customs clearance has specific requirements since the UK left the EU. These include certificate of origin requirements, EUR1 movement certificates for goods qualifying for preferential duty treatment under the UK-Turkey bilateral trade agreement, and updated commercial invoice formats. We are experienced on this corridor and manage the full documentation set on both the UK export side and the Turkish import side. You deal with one contact for the complete door-to-door process.
Do you handle US customs clearance for UK to US shipments?
Yes. We arrange UK export customs clearance and US import customs clearance as part of the same service, working with a licensed US Customs Broker on the American side. For sea freight, ISF filing (Importer Security Filing) is submitted 24 hours before vessel departure. For goods that require formal entry under US CBP rules, we coordinate the complete entry process. You deal with one point of contact for the full UK to US movement.
What documents do I typically need for customs clearance?
The standard documents required are a commercial invoice with full goods description and declared value, a packing list, and the bill of lading or airway bill as applicable. Depending on the goods and their origin, you may also need a certificate of origin, an EUR1 movement certificate, product conformity certificates, import licences, phytosanitary certificates, or dangerous goods declarations. We advise on the complete documentation requirement for your specific goods and origin before clearance begins.