Import Custom Clearance UK Commercial Services

Q: Can I do my own customs clearance in the UK?

Yes. However, most businesses choose not to.Self-clearing requires:Specialist customs softwareDetailed knowledge of tariff codesUnderstanding of CPCs and valuation rulesConfidence handling HMRC queriesErrors can lead to delays, fines, audits or seizure of goods. Using a specialist customs broker reduces risk.

Q: When do I legally need a UK customs declaration?

You need a customs declaration for:All commercial imports into the UKAll exports leaving the UKEU and non-EU tradeControlled or excise goodsShipments over £2,500 or 1,000kgCustoms clearance is mandatory — even if no duty is payable.

Q: What documents are required for customs clearance?

Most shipments require:Commercial invoicePacking listBill of Lading / Air Waybill / CMREORI numberImport or export licence (if applicable)Health or phytosanitary certificate (for regulated goods)Incorrect or missing documents are the #1 cause of delays.

Q: How long does customs clearance take in the UK?

Typical timeframes:Low-value parcels: 20–30 minutesStandard air freight: 24–48 hoursSea freight: 2–4 daysRegulated goods (food, animals, chemicals): longer due to inspectionsDelays occur when information is incorrect or incomplete.

Q: How much customs duty and VAT will I pay?

Import VAT is usually 20%.Customs duty depends on:Commodity codeCountry of originTrade agreementsCustoms value (cost + insurance + freight)Incorrect classification often leads to unexpected charges.

Fast, compliant customs clearance for UK commercial importers.

HMRC CDS Compliant | Regulated Goods Experts | Commercial Imports Only

Who Needs Import Custom Clearance UK Commercial Support?

Our service is designed for:

UK VAT-registered businesses
Commercial importers
Freight forwarders
Food, fish and meat importers
Chemical and regulated goods traders
Live animal and livestock importers

We work with commercial shipments only. We do not handle personal parcels.

This ensures we focus on serious importers.

What Our Import Custom Clearance UK Commercial Service Includes

We manage the entire declaration process.

Submit CDS declarations electronically
Classify goods using correct commodity codes
Calculate duty and VAT correctly
Confirm customs value
Support Postponed VAT Accounting
Liaise directly with HMRC and Border Force
Respond quickly to customs queries

As a result, you avoid preventable delays.

Why Businesses Choose Aerona for Import Custom Clearance UK Commercial

Customs mistakes are expensive.

Incorrect codes trigger audits.
Underpaid duty leads to C18 demands .
Missing documents delay release .

We prevent these risks.

We pre-check documentation before submission.
We review commodity classifications carefully.
We act immediately when HMRC raises a query.

We protect your commercial reputation.

How Our Import Custom Clearance UK Commercial Process Works

Step 1 – Document Review

We review your invoice, packing list and transport documents.

Step 2 – Commodity Code Verification

We verify HS codes and customs procedure codes.

Step 3 – CDS Submission

We submit your declaration via HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service.

Step 4 – Duty & VAT Confirmation

We confirm duty rate, origin rules and VAT calculation.

Step 5 – Release & Monitoring

We monitor clearance until goods are released.

Clear process. Clear responsibility. Clear communication.

Import Custom Clearance UK Commercial for Regulated & High-Risk Goods

Some goods require specialist handling. We clear:

Fish & Seafood Imports

Requires catch certificates, health certificates and port health checks. Speed protects product quality.

Meat & Animal Products

Requires veterinary certification and Border Control Post inspection. Non-compliance can lead to destruction.

Live Animals & Livestock

Requires EHC, IPAFFS notification and inspection .

Chemicals & Hazardous Goods

Requires UK REACH compliance and correct classification .

Flowers & Perishables

Time-sensitive shipments require accurate declarations .

We understand commercial risk. We handle complexity correctly.

Common Questions About Customs Clearance UK

What is customs clearance and why is it mandatory in the UK?

Customs clearance is the legal process of declaring goods to HMRC when importing or exporting. It ensures duties and VAT are paid and goods meet UK regulations.

Without a valid customs declaration submitted through CDS (Customs Declaration Service), goods cannot legally enter or leave the UK.

What does a customs clearing agent actually do?

A customs clearing agent prepares and submits import and export declarations to HMRC on your behalf.

At Aerona Customs Clearing Agents, we:

Submit CDS declarations
Classify goods using correct commodity codes
Calculate duty and VAT
Liaise with HMRC and Border Force
Resolve customs queries quickly
Prevent costly delays and port storage charges

We protect your shipment from compliance risks.

Can I do my own customs clearance in the UK?

Yes. However, most businesses choose not to.

Self-clearing requires:

Specialist customs software
Detailed knowledge of tariff codes
Understanding of CPCs and valuation rules
Confidence handling HMRC queries

Errors can lead to delays, fines, audits or seizure of goods. Using a specialist customs broker reduces risk.

When do I legally need a UK customs declaration?

You need a customs declaration for:

All commercial imports into the UK
All exports leaving the UK
EU and non-EU trade
Controlled or excise goods
Shipments over £2,500 or 1,000kg

Customs clearance is mandatory — even if no duty is payable.

What documents are required for customs clearance?

Most shipments require:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill / CMR
EORI number
Import or export licence (if applicable)
Health or phytosanitary certificate (for regulated goods)

Incorrect or missing documents are the #1 cause of delays.

What is HMRC CDS and how does it work?

CDS (Customs Declaration Service) is HMRC’s digital customs platform.

It allows traders and agents to:

Submit import and export declarations
Manage duty deferment accounts
Pay customs duty and VAT
Access financial statements

Aerona submits declarations electronically for faster clearance.

How long does customs clearance take in the UK?

Typical timeframes:

Low-value parcels: 20–30 minutes
Standard air freight: 24–48 hours
Sea freight: 2–4 days
Regulated goods (food, animals, chemicals): longer due to inspections

Delays occur when information is incorrect or incomplete.

How much customs duty and VAT will I pay?

Import VAT is usually 20%.

Customs duty depends on:

Commodity code
Country of origin
Trade agreements
Customs value (cost + insurance + freight)

Incorrect classification often leads to unexpected charges.

Who is legally responsible for customs duty and VAT?

The importer of record is legally responsible — not the customs broker.

Even when Aerona submits your declaration, liability remains with the importer or exporter.

Under DDP terms, the seller pays.
Under DDU terms, the buyer pays.

Who is responsible for commodity codes — the customer or the customs broker?

Legally, the importer or exporter is responsible for the correct commodity code.

Aerona can advise and guide, but ultimate liability sits with the trader.

Wrong codes can result in:

Fines
Backdated duty demands
Audits
Seizure

What happens if the wrong commodity code is used?

HMRC may:

Delay clearance
Issue penalties
Raise C18 post-clearance demands
Recalculate duties
Trigger an audit

Amendments must be submitted immediately.

Why do customs delays happen?

Common causes:

Incorrect HS codes
Missing invoices
Under-declared values
Unpaid duty
Missing licences
Border inspections

Professional pre-checks reduce delay risk significantly.

Can customs stop or seize my goods?

Yes.

Goods may be held for:

Documentation errors
Security checks
Health inspections
Restricted items
Suspected undervaluation

Prohibited goods may be seized or destroyed.

What is anti-dumping duty?

Anti-dumping duty is an additional tariff applied when imported goods are priced unfairly low and harm UK industry.

It applies to specific products from certain countries.

What happens if customs request additional information?

Your declaration is placed “under query.”

Goods will not be released until:

Information is corrected
Documents are supplied
Duty differences are paid

Fast response prevents extended port storage fees.

Specialist Customs Clearance – High-Risk & Regulated Goods

Aerona specialises in complex shipments requiring expert handling.

How does customs clearance work for live animals and livestock?

Live animals require:

Export Health Certificates (EHC)
Pre-notification via IPAFFS
Border Control Post inspection
Veterinary checks
Approved transport

Livestock may require quarantine or movement restrictions.

How does customs clearance work for pets and horses?

Pets and horses require:

Animal Health Certificate or EHC
Microchip verification
Vaccination compliance
IPAFFS notification
Inspection at Border Control Post

Failure to comply may result in quarantine.

What are the customs requirements for importing chemicals?

Chemical imports require compliance with:

UK REACH registration
GB CLP labelling
Correct HS codes
HSE notification
Possible licensing

Hazardous goods are high-risk and require specialist clearance.

How is customs clearance handled for fish and seafood?

Seafood imports require:

Catch certificates
Health certificates
Port Health inspection
Pre-notification
IUU compliance

Clearance must be fast to protect product quality.

Why are meat imports more complex?

Meat imports require:

Official veterinary certification
SPS compliance
Approved establishments
Border Control Post inspection
Cold chain management

Non-compliance can result in destruction of goods.

How does customs clearance affect flower shipments?

Flowers are time-sensitive.

Delays cause:

Spoilage
Loss of value
Temperature breaches
Financial losses

Fast, accurate declarations are critical.

What is project cargo and how is it cleared?

Project cargo includes oversized or complex equipment such as:

Machinery
Industrial components
Wind turbines
Boats

Clearance requires precise planning, valuation, and compliance checks.

How do I clear goods through UK customs?

To clear goods through UK customs, you must submit a customs declaration to HMRC using the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

You will need:

A UK EORI number
A commercial invoice
A packing list
Transport documents (Bill of Lading / Air Waybill / CMR)
Correct commodity codes
Customs value calculation
Payment of any duty and VAT

Most businesses appoint a customs broker like Aerona Customs Clearing Agents to submit declarations accurately and prevent delays.

Do I need a customs broker to import into the UK?

No, it is not legally required.

However, most importers use a customs broker because:

Customs rules are complex
Mistakes cause delays and penalties
HMRC systems require specialist knowledge
Incorrect commodity codes create financial risk

If you import regularly, regulated goods, or high-value shipments, using a specialist customs broker is strongly recommended.

What is an EORI number and how do I get one?

An EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is required to import or export goods in the UK.

It identifies your business to HMRC.

To get one:

Apply online via HMRC
Provide your VAT details (if registered)
Receive your EORI within a few day

Without an EORI number, goods cannot be cleared through UK customs.

How do I calculate customs duty in the UK?

Customs duty is calculated by:

Customs Value × Duty Rate = Duty Payable

The customs value includes:

Cost of goods
Insurance
Freight (CIF value)

The duty rate depends on:

Commodity (HS) code
Country of origin
Applicable trade agreements

Import VAT (usually 20%) is then calculated on the total value including duty.

Incorrect classification is the most common cause of overpayment or penalties.

What is Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA)?

Postponed VAT Accounting allows VAT-registered businesses to account for import VAT on their VAT return instead of paying it at the border.

This improves cash flow because:

No upfront VAT payment is required
VAT is declared and reclaimed simultaneously

PVA is widely used for UK imports and is supported through HMRC CDS.

Why is my shipment stuck in UK customs?

Shipments are usually held due to:

Incorrect or missing documents
Wrong commodity codes
Unpaid duty or VAT
Missing licences or health certificates
Customs inspections
Suspected undervaluation

Until the issue is resolved, goods cannot be released.

Quick response to HMRC queries reduces demurrage and storage fees.

What happens if I don’t pay import VAT or customs duty?

Customs will not release your goods.

If payment is not made:

Goods remain in temporary storage
Storage and demurrage fees increase
The shipment may be returned to sender
In serious cases, goods may be seized

Importers are legally responsible for payment.

How do I avoid customs clearance delays in the UK?

You can reduce delays by:

Using correct commodity codes
Ensuring accurate commercial invoices
Declaring correct customs value
Pre-filing declarations before arrival
Paying duty promptly
Using an experienced customs broker

Most delays happen due to preventable documentation errors.

How long can UK customs hold my goods?

There is no fixed time limit.

Goods may be held:

Minutes (low-risk shipments)
24–48 hours (routine checks)
Several days (inspections or document queries)

Regulated goods such as meat, fish, animals, and chemicals often face longer inspection times.

Delays increase storage and detention charges.

Do I pay customs duty on goods from the EU?

Yes, customs declarations are required for EU-UK trade.

However, customs duty may be zero if:

The goods qualify under the UK-EU Trade Agreement
Rules of origin requirements are met
Proper origin statements are provided

Incorrect origin documentation can result in full duty being charged.

What happens if HMRC audits my customs declarations?

HMRC may:

Request documentation
Review commodity classifications
Check valuation accuracy
Issue C18 post-clearance demand notes

If errors are found, backdated duty, VAT, and penalties may apply.

Maintaining accurate records and using experienced brokers reduces audit risk.

What is a Customs Procedure Code (CPC)?

A Customs Procedure Code (CPC) tells HMRC the purpose of the shipment.

Examples include:

Home use
Temporary admission
Inward processing
Customs warehousing

Using the wrong CPC can result in incorrect duty charges or compliance breaches.

What is the difference between DDP and DDU in customs?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid):
The seller pays duty and VAT.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid):
The buyer pays duty and VAT.

The Incoterm determines who is legally responsible for import charges.

A Few Words From Our Customers

“Aerona handled my high-value gemstone import with exceptional professionalism. I contacted them over a weekend while travelling overseas, and they immediately provided clear guidance under the Merchant in Baggage scheme. They completed my import declaration in advance and ensured all duties were paid before arrival. The process at the airport was smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Aerona for specialist UK import customs clearance.”

Mr Ben

UK Gemstone Trader

“Aerona delivered a complete door-to-door solution for our 10-ton dumper truck from China to the UK. Their advice to containerise the vehicle significantly reduced our transport costs. They coordinated overseas agents, handled the export declaration, arranged insurance, and ensured safe delivery. The entire project was managed professionally from start to finish.”

Project Client Northwest England

A Little More About Us

We are a privately owned and based in Greater Manchester, England and we have many years experience working with large and small importers and exporters ranging from major blue chip international organizations, to private individuals who need expert help in sending consignments abroad or bringing them into this country.

All business is handled personally by our experienced managers and staff, who over the years have established a unique network of contacts including direct access links to all UK ports and airport terminals.

Our worldwide customs clearance services incorporate forwarding, logistics, Air and Sea freight to and from virtually all the major nations, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan, plus countries throughout the Middle East and Africa.

With an international network of agents in 84 countries, we are able to offer a global solution and total reassurance to all our customers that their shipments will arrive on time.

Every customer’s needs are different, therefore, in addition to our structured services; we provide a flexible, personalized partnership that can be tailored to meet any need.

SOCIAL, FINANCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

It is crucial that every company establishes a policy of social, financial and environmental responsibility.
At Aerona Customs Clearing Agents Ltd it is a commitment we take very seriously.

Social

As a company we believe that everyone should be respected. This includes our staff, our customers, all our business associates around the world, plus the wider community within which we live and work.

Financial

We also believe that we should be a financially responsible organisation. That means, whilst operating in a businesslike way, we should always conduct ourselves in a fair, honest and trustworthy manner. As a company we are also committed to supporting a number of charities and worthwhile causes.

Environmental

Our corporate responsibility also applies to the way we view and treat our environment and we do our utmost to minimise waste and pollution and try to be at all times ecologically aware. Whenever possible we also encourage our fellow business colleagues to adopt a similar environmental agenda.