Custom Clearance

Custom Clearance Fast, Accurate Declarations with Freight Connect Services in the UK

Moving goods into the UK doesn’t have to be a complicated or costly ordeal. At Freight Connect Services, we specialise in providing comprehensive customs clearance solutions that ensure your shipments are released quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with all UK customs regulations. We offer expert assistance to clients throughout the customs clearance process, helping you navigate complex regulations and complete paperwork accurately.

Our expert team manages every aspect of the clearance process on your behalf, from preparing precise customs declarations through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) to handling tariff classification, Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA), and even final-mile delivery. With our support, you can avoid unexpected charges, delays, and red tape, keeping your supply chain running smoothly and your costs under control.

Freight Connect Services manages the whole process from start to finish, ensuring a seamless experience for every client.

Introduction to Customs Clearance

Customs clearance drives international trade success—we make it fast, compliant, and hassle-free every time. We handle accurate customs declarations and streamlined clearance procedures that meet shifting regulations without the headaches. For import-export businesses, our efficient customs clearance means no costly delays, zero compliance surprises, and supply chains that keep moving. As your dedicated customs clearance agent, we deliver comprehensive services that cut through red tape—complete with real-time updates and expert guidance at every step. We get your goods cleared right the first time, so you focus on what matters: growing your international trade business.

Why choose us as your customs clearance company?

Choosing the right partner for your customs clearance is crucial to maintaining efficient import and export operations. As experienced customs brokers and customs clearance agents, Freight Connect Services provides specialised support for all customs procedures, including handling customs declarations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and offering expert guidance through complex international trade regulations. At Freight Connect Services, you benefit from a dedicated team that understands both freight logistics and the complexities of customs procedures. Our expertise ensures efficient clearance, reducing the risk of delays, extra costs, and demurrage. Customs processes can be time consuming and complex, but Freight Connect Services streamlines them for clients, saving valuable time and preventing costly errors. We also work closely with freight forwarders to ensure seamless customs integration within the broader logistics chain. This integrated knowledge ensures that all your customs paperwork, carriers, and port systems align seamlessly, preventing costly delays and storage fees.

Key Benefits

Speed & accuracy

Our team prepares customs declarations well in advance whenever possible, validating them rigorously against CDS data rules to minimise queries or rejections by HMRC. This proactive approach accelerates clearance and reduces the risk of shipment holdups.
By minimising delays and errors, clients save money on storage, demurrage, and other potential costs.

Cost control

We carefully classify your goods using the correct HS or commodity codes and apply any relevant preferences or suspensions. Careful classification and strict adherence to customs requirements are essential for optimising duty and VAT payments. This attention to detail helps you optimise duty and VAT payments by leveraging the UK Trade Tariff effectively, ensuring you pay no more than necessary.

Cash-flow friendly

Understanding the importance of cash flow for your business, we provide expert guidance on Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) and duty deferment options. These solutions allow you to defer VAT payments and duty charges, freeing up working capital and avoiding unnecessary upfront costs at the border.

All modes covered

Whether your shipments arrive by air, sea, or road, our customs clearance services cover all transportation modes. We also specialise in customs clearance for imported vehicles, ensuring compliance and smooth transit for cars and other motor vehicles. We coordinate with ports and airports to ensure timely release and organise delivery directly to your warehouse or customers, integrating with your broader freight and logistics plans.

What our customs clearing services include

Port/airport release & delivery

After customs clearance, we coordinate with carriers and terminal operators to secure prompt release of your shipment. Where required, we manage additional checks like port health inspections and arrange final delivery to your warehouse or end customers, ensuring a smooth handover within your supply chain.

Tariff classification & duty/VAT planning

Accurate classification using the correct commodity codes is fundamental to compliance and cost control. Accurate classification is also a key part of optimising customs processes and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. We analyse your product specifications and supporting documents, verify applicable measures in the UK Trade Tariff, and calculate the impact on duty and import VAT. Additionally, we identify any available reliefs, suspensions, or trade preferences that can reduce your landed costs.

PVA, duty deferment & VAT statements

For VAT-registered importers, we assist in implementing Postponed VAT Accounting, enabling you to account for import VAT on your VAT return rather than paying it immediately. We guide you on accessing monthly PVA statements within CDS and reconciling them with your accounting records. If you maintain a duty deferment account, we ensure all declarations correctly reference it to streamline payments.

Documents & compliance

Our team meticulously reviews all critical customs paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, licences, certificates, Incoterms, origin declarations, and transport documents. We also assist with preparing and reviewing export documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with all legal requirements. When special procedures such as Inward Processing apply, we provide expert advice on obtaining necessary authorisations and codes to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties. Additionally, we can handle simplified customs declaration applications to streamline the process for eligible shipments.

CDS import declarations

We handle the entire process of preparing and lodging your import entries in the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which has replaced the older CHIEF system. Our team is experienced in handling UK customs declarations for all types of imported goods, ensuring that your shipments are processed efficiently. Proper documentation and procedures are essential when importing goods into the UK to ensure compliance and avoid delays. Our team manages communications with HMRC and port inventory systems, promptly addressing any queries. You will receive essential documentation such as the Movement Reference Number (MRN) and a complete audit trail to maintain compliance and transparency.

Export Clearance and Declarations

We make export clearance and declarations straightforward, accurate, and fully compliant—every time. Our customs specialists handle everything from export documentation prep to final regulatory sign-off, including tariff classifications, compliance verification, and complete paperwork management for your outbound shipments. With deep expertise across manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food & beverage exports, we ensure your goods clear customs right the first time and reach global markets on schedule. We work directly with major UK export hubs, coordinating with freight forwarders and your logistics teams so there are no last-minute compliance issues. If documentation needs fixing or classifications require updates, we handle it quickly—before it becomes a costly delay. Our rigorous compliance checks and meticulous attention to customs regulations mean your shipments move efficiently while you focus on core business growth. Choose our export clearance services for reliable timelines, clean declarations, and the peace of mind that comes from working with specialists who understand global trade requirements inside and out.

How we calculate duty & VAT (and why “calculators” can mislead)

Many online tools claim to estimate import charges, often labelled as “UK import duty tax calculator” or “customs tax calculator.” While these can provide rough figures, actual costs depend on several factors: the precise commodity code, customs value, country of origin, applicable trade preferences, and current customs regulations on the day of import. At Freight Connect Services, we use the official UK Trade Tariff and the latest CDS rules to deliver accurate landed cost estimates before shipment. This approach ensures that the duty and VAT you budget for match the amounts you ultimately pay, avoiding unpleasant surprises.

Your step-by-step customs clearance process

Share shipment details

To get started, simply provide us with your commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents (such as AWB, BL, or CMR), and any relevant permits or proofs of preference.

Classification & cost preview

We confirm the correct commodity codes, check current duty and VAT measures in the Trade Tariff, and provide a detailed cost estimate, including options for PVA or duty deferment to optimise your cash flow.

CDS entry preparation

Our experts prepare the customs declaration with the appropriate procedure codes and data elements, validating all information against CDS guidance to minimise the risk of rejection. We can also assist with export declaration requirements for outbound shipments. For eligible shipments, simplified customs declaration procedures can be used to expedite the process and reduce complexity.

Arrival & clearance

We monitor shipment arrival messages, handle any HMRC queries or inspections, and coordinate with terminals and carriers to avoid storage fees and delays.

Delivery & records

Once cleared, we arrange final delivery to your destination and provide all necessary documentation, including MRNs, duty and VAT details, and PVA statement guidance, ensuring your audit trail is complete.

Mitigating Risks and Delays

Customs clearance doesn’t have to be complicated—we make it straightforward and penalty-free. Our customs agents catch declaration errors before they hit you with fines, delays, or compliance headaches. We handle everything: transit declarations, temporary admission procedures, and supply chain coordination, keeping your shipments moving and your cash flow intact. You get real-time updates and clear advice in plain English, so you know exactly where you stand with import and export requirements. We fix problems fast, manage the clearance process from start to finish, and keep you ahead of regulatory changes. No surprises, no delays, no penalties—just smooth customs clearance that keeps your business running.

Who we help

Our customs clearance services support a wide range of clients, including importers, eCommerce brands, manufacturers, wholesalers, and freight partners requiring reliable UK customs results. As experienced customs clearance agents, we provide tailored support for importers, exporters, and logistics partners. Whether you have a single urgent air shipment or a steady flow of ocean containers, we deliver dependable outcomes. We also assist overseas sellers shipping DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) into the UK, ensuring compliant VAT handling and customs clearance procedures such as PVA where applicable.

Experienced Team

Our customs clearance team delivers fast, accurate results backed by deep expertise in regulations, procedures, and documentation requirements. We stay ahead of changing rules and industry shifts, giving you current advice that keeps your shipments moving through customs without delays. We respond quickly to your questions, provide real-time updates on your cargo status, and focus on getting clearances right the first time. With our hands-on approach and precise attention to compliance details, your goods clear customs efficiently, on schedule, and fully compliant—no surprises, no penalties.

Industry Networks and Resources

We work directly with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and key industry players to make customs clearance fast and hassle-free. Our partnerships mean we handle everything smoothly—no delays, no surprises. We stay sharp on the latest customs regulations through industry events, hands-on training, and continuous learning, so you get current expertise every time. When paperwork gets complex or regulations shift, we’re already ahead of the curve. Our network delivers what matters: efficient clearance, clean compliance, and supply chains that keep moving. We make international trade straightforward—professional, reliable, and focused on getting your goods through customs right the first time.

What you’ll need to get started

Before we can begin, you’ll need:

An EORI number (GB…) registered to your business.
An accurate commercial invoice detailing values, Incoterms, and currency.
A detailed packing list and transport documents (AWB, BL, or CMR).
Any applicable licences or certificates related to your goods.
Your VAT details if you plan to use Postponed VAT Accounting; and duty deferment account information if relevant.
Our team can advise on each requirement and assist you in appointing us as your customs clearance agent in line with HMRC guidance, ensuring you meet all necessary legal requirements smoothly.

FAQs

Do I need a customs agent, or can I submit myself?

While HMRC permits self-filing of customs declarations, most businesses prefer to appoint a customs clearance agent to reduce the risk of errors, delays, and penalties. Our team submits entries daily and manages all moving parts of the clearance process, providing peace of mind and efficiency.

Is PVA right for me?

If you are VAT-registered and regularly import goods into the UK, Postponed VAT Accounting can significantly improve your cash flow by deferring VAT payments until your VAT return. We will assess your eligibility and ensure your declarations correctly reference PVA to maximise benefits.

How are duty and VAT worked out?

Duty and VAT calculations rely primarily on the commodity code, customs value, country of origin, and applicable measures listed in the UK Trade Tariff. These are applied within CDS upon entry. We provide accurate cost estimates before shipment to help you budget effectively.

Ready to import with confidence?

Experience fast, compliant customs clearance with transparent duty and VAT planning, supported by integrated freight and warehousing services when needed. Contact Freight Connect Services today to streamline your imports and exports in line with the latest customs regulations and clearance procedures.

Alternatively, use our quick quote form to start your next shipment with confidence and efficiency.

Email: info@freightcservices.com
Company: Freight Connect Services