Are you a major retailer, government agency, SME or start-up business looking to expand your business and trade internationally?
Welcome to Global Corporate Logistics, your one-stop-shop for all your customs clearance needs in the UK. We specialize in providing expert Customs Clearance services for both UK import and export shipments. Our experienced team has extensive knowledge of customs regulations and procedures, enabling us to navigate the complexities of the clearance process quickly and efficiently.
Whether you are a large international retailer or a small to medium-sized enterprise, we provide customs clearance services to all businesses looking for reliable partners to handle their import and export operations. With over 10 years of experience shipping goods in and out of the United Kingdom, we have the capacity and technical know-how to fit all of your needs.
At Global Corporate Logistics, we take pride in providing high-quality customs clearance services to ensure faster clearance times, reduced risk of penalties and fines, and compliance with customs regulations. Our team is dedicated to taking care of everything for you, whether you’re bringing shipments into the UK from outside sources or taking them out once they leave.
We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional service, and as your number one Freight forwarding and Customs Clearance Service company, we ensure that every one of our clients is taken care of here at Global Corporate Logistics Limited.
Customs & Security Information
Customs clearance is the process that all shipments to and from the UK, including those to and from the EU, must go through due to the new Brexit rules. It involves submitting documents and paying taxes and duties to customs authorities to facilitate the import and export of goods while complying with the new regulations. Customs clearance is a crucial part of the logistics chain, ensuring that shipments can move seamlessly across borders while adhering to the customs rules and regulations of the destination country.
Global Corporate Logistics has extensive knowledge and experience in customs clearance procedures and can provide expert customs brokerage services for both UK import and export shipments. We understand the complexities of the clearance process and can help our clients navigate them quickly and efficiently.
It’s essential for shippers to be aware of the customs rules and regulations of their destination country to avoid delays, charges, and additional paperwork. Courier, customs agent and freight forwarding companies have absolutely no control over customs clearance. As the shipper, it is your responsibility to ensure that you abide by the customs rules of your destination country. All shipments are subject to security screening, regardless of the destination. Therefore, shipments will be X-rayed and their contents inspected to ensure they are safe for transit.
As the shipper, you must:
- Ensure that you send no prohibited or restricted items:
For example, some governments restrict certain foodstuffs from entering their country. Please view our list of dangerous and hazardous items that are universally prohibited.
- Ensure that you have all of the necessary documentation:
All shipments sent to and from countries outside the UK require a Packing List, also known as a Commercial Invoice, which details the contents of your consignment.
Certain countries may require additional documentation depending on what you are sending; for example, if you are sending personal effects to Australia, New Zealand or the United States.
See our documentation guide for more information.
- Explain to the receiver their liability for import duties, taxes and charges.
Rules and regulations can vary widely, which means it is not always feasible for us to provide comprehensive and up-to-date customs information.
However, we do provide general country information and restriction guides.
For full customs information, you can usually refer to a country’s government website, or contact them directly. Please see our customs links in the right-hand menu, or at the bottom of the page if you are viewing on mobile or tablet.
If you are shipping personal effects to the USA, Australia or New Zealand, completing the following forms ahead of time can help to speed up the customs clearance process. If you do not send them with your shipment, they will need to be completed by the receiver.
These files are in PDF format. Please click to download.
UK Customs (HMRC) have announced a new online process relating to importing household goods and personal effects to the UK as Transfer of Residence (ToR). Shippers are now required to make an application to HMRC prior to shipping from outside of the EU in order to claim VAT and duty relief for importing personal belongings.
The shipper must complete and sign the application form and provide any supporting documentation.
This is currently a “print-and-submit” procedure – all applications and supporting documentation must be sent by email, once signed, to nch@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
The application must be made prior to shipping any consignments to the UK. If the applicant is successful in obtaining Transfer of Residence relief, the applicant will then be awarded unique declaration information in the form of an authorisation number, which can be included on the customs invoice (packing list).
The European Union has trade agreements with certain countries outside of the EU, whereby exporters may be entitled to claim a preferential tariff on the import of certain goods. Please see the HMRC website for more information.
The EORI Number was introduced in July 2009, as a way of improving security and speeding up customs clearance for goods entering and leaving the European Union.
All UK companies exporting outside of the EU should have an EORI number. The EORI number for most UK companies takes the following format: GB, followed by your nine digit VAT number, and ending with a three digit 000 suffix. For example: GB123456789000.
You can check to see if your EORI number is valid by entering it into the EORI Number Validator. If you don’t have a valid EORI number, you can apply via the GOV.uk website.
Commodity codes are used to inform customs of the precise contents of your shipment, alongside descriptions of individual items. E.g. 4202321000 and “50 x plastic mobile phone cases”.
While commodity codes are generally only required for commercial shipments to or from countries outside of the EU, we advise that you should always provide descriptions of goods to ensure a smooth delivery.
You can use our Commodity Code Finder to search for commodity codes. We would advise doing this ahead of your booking as it can take some time.
Our Expertise
Our Customs Clearance Service is backed by a team of experts who are well-versed with customs regulations and procedures across the globe. Our team’s experience covers Manchester airport, Heathrow airport, and all UK seaports, ensuring that we offer a seamless and efficient service for our clients. We have an in-depth understanding of different countries’ customs regulations, which enables us to handle any challenges that may arise during the clearance process. With our expertise and experience, you can trust us to manage your customs clearance needs efficiently.
Benefits of Working with Us
Working with Global Corporate Logistics for your Customs Clearance needs comes with a range of benefits, including:
- Faster clearance times
- Reduced risk of penalties and fines
- Compliance with customs regulations
- Cost savings through efficient and effective customs procedures
Services Offered
We offer a comprehensive range of Customs Clearance services, including:
- Preparation and submission of customs documentation
- Coordination with customs authorities
- Payment of duties and taxes on behalf of clients
- Handling of any customs-related issues that may arise
What sets Global Corporate Logistics apart from our competitors when it comes to Customs Clearance?
- Global Network: Our extensive global network allows us to provide Customs Clearance services in countries around the world.
- Technology Solutions: We use state-of-the-art technology to manage the customs clearance process, providing real-time updates to our clients.
- Industry Partnerships: We have partnerships with key players in the logistics industry, allowing us to provide a comprehensive range of services to our clients.
If you would like to learn more about our Customs Clearance services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us on 0161 706 1220 or MyCustomsUK@GlobalCorporateLogistics.com , or simply fill out the contact form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!