UK CUSTOMS CLEARANCE EXPERTS
Instant Clearances was created to make customs clearance faster, simpler and less stressful. We combine industry experience with a personal, hands-on service, helping businesses and individuals keep goods moving across the UK and Europe.
Clear guidance for your next shipment
Find answers to common questions about UK customs clearance, import and export documents, ENS declarations and transit procedures. Whether you are arranging your first shipment or managing regular freight movements, our FAQs explain what you need to prepare and what to expect.
Need help with a specific shipment? Tell our team what you are moving, your route and when it is travelling. We will explain the next steps and confirm how we can help.
Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to the customs authorities and meeting the requirements for their import or export. It can involve document checks, payment or accounting for duty and import VAT, and any necessary licences. Instant Clearances prepares declarations and helps coordinate the release of imported goods. Explore our import clearance service.
You can handle customs declarations yourself if you have the required systems and knowledge, or appoint a customs agent. An agent can prepare and submit declarations under an agreed arrangement. Appointing someone does not remove your responsibility to carry out due diligence on the information declared. Read HMRC’s guidance on appointing a customs agent.
We usually need the commercial invoice, packing list, transport details and the importer’s EORI number, together with a clear goods description, commodity code, value, origin and agreed delivery terms. Some goods also need licences or certificates. Send the documents available and we will confirm what else is required. See our import document checklist.
The customs agent’s fee depends on the work required, including the declaration type, number of goods lines and shipment complexity. Duty, import VAT and port or carrier charges are separate potential costs. Ask for a quote that explains what is included. Request a customs clearance quote.
Timing depends on the documents, customs procedure and any checks required. Complete information helps the declaration process move more quickly. Final release can also depend on HMRC, the port system and arrangements for duty or import VAT. Contact us with the arrival details so we can assess the shipment. Ask about your import clearance.
Yes. We offer urgent customs clearance and out-of-hours support. Tell us the port or terminal, expected arrival time and paperwork already available. We will confirm the next steps and availability for your movement. For time-sensitive enquiries, use the contact details on our contact page.
We support customs clearance at major UK ports and terminals. Our EU haulier service includes Dover, Eurotunnel, Hull, Immingham, Teesport and Newcastle / Port of Tyne. Share your arrival location and transport details so we can confirm the process and support available for that movement. View customs support for EU hauliers.
Yes. EU hauliers can arrange UK customs support for deliveries into Great Britain. Instant Clearances can help with import declarations, GB ENS, transit paperwork and GMR guidance, depending on the movement and agreed instructions. Explain which formalities your customer or forwarder has already arranged. Get customs support for EU hauliers.
Generally, yes. Since 31 January 2025, EU imports into Great Britain have required an Entry Summary Declaration unless a specific waiver applies. The ENS supplies advance safety and security information and is separate from the import customs declaration. Great Britain uses S&S GB for these filings. Check HMRC’s safety and security requirements.
For accompanied RoRo freight, the haulage company is responsible for ensuring the ENS is submitted. For unaccompanied RoRo freight, that responsibility lies with the ferry operator. A third party can file with the carrier’s knowledge and consent, but the carrier retains the obligation to ensure a declaration is lodged. See HMRC’s responsibilities guidance.
The deadline depends on the journey. For accompanied or unaccompanied RoRo and short-sea movements into Great Britain, it is generally at least two hours before arrival. Channel Tunnel road traffic has a different deadline: one hour before arrival at the Eurotunnel terminal in Coquelles. Send the information early. Check HMRC’s ENS deadlines.
A Goods Movement Reference groups the relevant declaration references for a vehicle or trailer crossing through a port using GVMS. An MRN identifies an individual customs, transit or safety and security declaration. A GMR does not replace the declarations it references. Read HMRC’s guide to creating a GMR.
The Customs Declaration Service, or CDS, is HMRC’s system for customs declarations. Businesses can also use their CDS account for services such as accessing postponed import VAT statements and managing customs payments. Instant Clearances prepares and submits CDS import declarations as part of its UK import customs clearance service. Find out about CDS.
Businesses undertaking customs activities in Great Britain generally need a GB EORI number. EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification and identifies the business in customs processes. Northern Ireland and EU activities can involve different requirements. You do not have to be VAT registered to obtain an EORI. Check HMRC’s EORI guidance.
T1 generally applies to goods without Union customs status. T2 is used for goods with Union customs status moving under the relevant transit procedure. The correct procedure depends on the goods’ customs status and the route, so it should be checked for the actual movement. Read the Common Transit Convention.
The amount depends on factors including the commodity code, customs value, origin and any relief or preference available. Different goods can have different duty and VAT treatment. A clearance quote should distinguish the agent’s service fee from taxes and other charges. Use HMRC’s guidance on commodity classification.
No. Goods must meet the relevant rules of origin and the conditions for claiming preference to benefit from zero duty under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Buying or shipping goods from an EU country does not, by itself, establish EU origin. Import VAT may still apply. Read HMRC’s UK–EU rules of origin guidance.
Eligible UK VAT-registered businesses can account for import VAT on their VAT Return using postponed VAT accounting, with recovery subject to the normal rules. If an agent is making the declaration, provide written instructions before submission. Confirm your eligibility and the correct importer details for the shipment. Check the HMRC conditions.
Ask the carrier, forwarder or declarant for the reason and the declaration reference. Customs may need supporting documents or further information. Send the request and available paperwork to the person handling the declaration promptly. Release depends on resolving the issue and any required checks. See how HMRC requests supporting documents.
Use our contact form and include the service you need, arrival port or terminal, planned date and a brief goods description. Tell us whether another agent is handling any part of the movement. EU hauliers can also use our dedicated customs clearance enquiry page.
We provide direct support for road, sea and air freight, with fast help when timing matters most.
