FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Customs clearance is the process of submitting a single administrative document to the government authorities when entering or exiting a nation’s border.  Accompanying documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading/CMR/airway bill must be referenced, and any appropriate national regulations concerning controls, prohibitions and restrictions complied with. Three important areas of customs clearance are customs valuation, tariff classification, and rules of origin. The process of customs clearance may also enable the government to collect taxation in certain scenarios, review whether the goods are compliant with the market’s regulations, seize goods on the basis of protecting the nation’s best interests, and collect trade statistics.

All imports into the UK and exports from the UK must be accompanied by an import or export declaration. The responsibility for customs clearance will depend on the Incoterms, in circumstances where a sale takes place. In most circumstances this will be the responsibility of the importer or exporter, however, where DDP is used, the seller is responsible for all customs and freight formalities, whereas when using the EXW Incoterm, the buyer is responsible for collecting the goods, and all customs and transport-related formalities. Alinea Customs has a useful guide to understanding Incoterms available from: Incoterms. HMRC uses the underlying interface of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and customs software communicates with this system. Many companies choose to hire a professional customs broker, also known as a customs clearance agent to handle the process. Alinea Customs provides expert professional clearance services to ensure all compliance requirements are met accurately.

Almost all goods entering or leaving the UK on a commercial basis require customs clearance, including raw materials, manufactured products, machinery, food items, gifts, and personal belongings. Alinea Customs helps businesses of all sizes clear various goods through UK ports. The sectors that we most frequently work on behalf of are in the food and beverages, fashion and luxury, packaging, construction, fast moving consumer goods (FCMG), retail, commodities trading, and design and engineering industries. We have expertise in all areas of customs.

This will generally depend on two key factors: 

a.) is all the documentation that Alinea Customs require to complete a customs declaration made available to us, and 

b.) the date that the goods enter the country. 

Usually, our regular clients send us the documents 2 – 3 days prior to the goods arrival at the border, and we will send the pre-lodged clearance back within the same hour. 

Customs declarations can be submitted up to 30 days in advance of arrival, therefore for new clients we would always recommend approaching us at the earliest opportunity, so that there is sufficient time to collect any missing information from your suppliers. 

Usually, once the process is operational, the same procedures will be replicated to ensure smooth entry or exit. Customs clearance will occur for pre-lodged goods at the moment the method of transport enters the UK- termed as when the goods “arrive” at a port, and usually take around 10 minutes to move from “accepted” to “cleared” status. 

If there are any national clearance hub (NCH) document inspections requested for the goods, the NCH will only inspect the documents after the goods have “arrived”. NCH report a target document review time of two hours. Additionally, based on a risk analysis for controlled goods, the port health authorities, border control post, or Border Force authorities may decide to inspect the goods. This occurs once the goods have “arrived.”  You can review whether your goods are controlled by checking the UK Trade Tariff. 

Customs have existed for over 4000 years, within ancient civilisations including Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, and were used to regulate trade and raise taxes to fund the state. The Greeks and Romans imposed sophisticated trading systems at ports whereby taxes were collected at ports and trade routes. The Romans implemented a system of taxation to fund the empire’s operations. 

On a contemporary basis, The Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA 1979) outlines the general framework for customs controls, including the obligation to submit customs declarations for goods entering or leaving the UK. The Taxation Cross Border Trade Act 2018 outlines the obligations of an importer or their agent to declare all goods on import into the United Kingdom into a customs procedure. This may be free circulation, or a special procedure such as transit, customs warehousing or temporary admission. Additionally, The Customs (Export) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 identify a requirement for a customs declaration to be submitted whenever goods depart from the United Kingdom.

A customs brokerage service manages all customs-related paperwork, calculations, and regulatory compliance on your behalf. Customs declarations are complex, they require customs declaration software within an authorised connection to HMRC, a community service provider (CSP) badge at the port of entrance, detailed knowledge of the UK Trade Tariff 3 – a codified system, and  also wider knowledge relation to the international legislation established by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) which is harmonised within all participating nations, and its application within a domestic context. Additional benefits are the customs agents existing communications channels with the UK’s ports and government departments, which facilitate due port procedures in circumstances where certification is required or an inspection takes place, which enhance efficiency and minimise dwell time at the port. The customs agent role is to submit the customs declaration on a prompt and compliant basis and ensure that all necessary procedures occur so that the client can take possession of their goods.

Alinea Customs’ brokerage services streamline the customs process, handling all aspects of documentation and provide legal advisory on how to reduce costs in compliance with relevant free trade agreements and customs procedures. Our team of customs professionals have sector-relevant qualifications and extensive experience in customs and international trade, so that our clients can focus on their business operations.

Alinea Customs specialises in UK customs brokerage, offering tailored services for importers and exporters to handle all documentation, customs entries, and compliance requirements. We ensure smooth clearance for goods moving through any UK port. In addition to customs clearance, Alinea Customs have an inhouse solicitor and work with experienced accounting partners. Therefore, we can assist with both customs clearance and company formation, legal agreements related to trade in the retail sector and distribution, VAT compliance and VAT filing. 

While not legally required, hiring a customs clearance agent is highly recommended if you’re unfamiliar with UK customs requirements. It may also be more efficient as taking on customs interfaces requires significant capital investment and staff training. Alinea Customs work with many corporations, multinational and commercial enterprises who have decided to delegate the process of customs clearance to our expert team, rather than take on clearance inhouse. 

Agents simplify the process by managing paperwork, ensuring compliance, and expediting clearance, helping prevent costly errors.

It is not a mandatory requirement to appoint a customs broker, a business may act as declarant for their own goods. As discussed previously, this will require a capital investment. Brokers possess specialised knowledge of UK customs regulations, helping ensure compliance, avoid delays, and reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, the costs of working with a customs broker are significantly less than investing in customs software, port badges and customs compliance training, as customs brokerages have multiple clients they benefit from economies of scale. 

The cost of hiring a customs agent varies depending on the complexity of the shipment, the type of goods, and specific service requirements. Alinea Customs offers competitive pricing tailored to your needs and volume-based discounts for regular clients. Our standard fee is £45 per import declaration — please contact us for a quotation.

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This may depend on the method of transport into the UK. Alinea Customs primarily provides services for commercial cargo. Companies that import using a postal service provider should contact them directly – in circumstances where a tracking number is provided rather than an airway bill number While not legally required, having a customs broker even for small shipments can save time and ensure compliance with UK regulations, preventing unexpected costs. Alinea Customs offers affordable brokerage solutions suitable for businesses of all sizes.

This may depend on the method of transport into the UK. Alinea Customs primarily provides services for commercial cargo. Companies that import using a postal service provider should contact them directly – in circumstances where a tracking number is provided rather than an airway bill number While not legally required, having a customs broker even for small shipments can save time and ensure compliance with UK regulations, preventing unexpected costs. Alinea Customs offers affordable brokerage solutions suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Alinea Customs specialises in UK customs brokerage, offering tailored services for importers and exporters to handle all documentation, customs entries, and compliance requirements. We ensure smooth clearance for goods moving through any UK port. In addition to customs clearance, Alinea Customs have an inhouse solicitor and work with experienced accounting partners. Therefore, we can assist with both customs clearance and company formation, legal agreements related to trade in the retail sector and distribution, VAT compliance and VAT filing. 

 Alinea Customs offers tailored consultancy to address your unique customs challenges, providing solutions for tariff classification, duty calculation, compliance strategies, and efficient supply chain management. This helps reduce costs and avoid regulatory issues.

UK customs regulations can be complex, especially post-Brexit as the European Union remains our closest trading partner. Businesses benefit from customs consultancy to avoid costly errors, ensure compliance, and streamline import/export processes. Alinea Customs helps navigate these complexities effectively.

Alinea Customs offers comprehensive UK customs training covering customs processes, regulatory compliance, documentation, and tariff management. Our training empowers your team with the knowledge needed for smooth customs operations.

Customs training is valuable for businesses with in-house logistics teams, import/export managers, and anyone involved in international shipping. Our training is beneficial for companies of all sizes looking to enhance customs knowledge and regulatory compliance.

To become a customs clearance agent in the UK, you typically need knowledge of domestic customs law and the international framework of treaties established by the World Trade Organisation and the World Customs Organisation, and relevant training in customs regulations and use of HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS) portal and the UK Trade Tariff Volume 3.

 Alinea Customs offers UK customs training, equipping aspiring customs agents with the skills needed to start their careers. Our customs training course offers a comprehensive grounding in customs law, insight into peripheral border obligations and border systems, and detailed practical training in the use of HMRC’s CDS system. Designed by both lawyers and experienced customs agents, the course combines the appropriate knowledge with useful, up-to-date exercises. Our clients include several customs agencies and logistics firms, an accountancy firm, brokers with experience in other markets seeking to understand the application of their skills in the UK, and commercial firms seeking to train their staff and/or take their customs operations in house due to scaling up.

To become a customs clearance agent in the UK, you typically need knowledge of domestic customs law and the international framework of treaties established by the World Trade Organisation and the World Customs Organisation, and relevant training in customs regulations and use of HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS) portal and the UK Trade Tariff Volume 3.

 Alinea Customs offers UK customs training, equipping aspiring customs agents with the skills needed to start their careers. Our customs training course offers a comprehensive grounding in customs law, insight into peripheral border obligations and border systems, and detailed practical training in the use of HMRC’s CDS system. Designed by both lawyers and experienced customs agents, the course combines the appropriate knowledge with useful, up-to-date exercises. Our clients include several customs agencies and logistics firms, an accountancy firm, brokers with experience in other markets seeking to understand the application of their skills in the UK, and commercial firms seeking to train their staff and/or take their customs operations in house due to scaling up.

Alinea Customs’ training enhances your team’s understanding of customs regulations, reducing the risk of costly errors, delays, and compliance issues. Proper training ensures your team can handle customs requirements efficiently and effectively. HMRC place the requirement for compliance with the company who is responsible for the goods. Understanding how to read all of the many data fields within a customs declaration and provide appropriate compliant instructions is an essential part of training for any business that participates in international trade as a core activity. 

Yes, Alinea Customs has experience working with various industries, including food, electronics, and textiles. We tailor our customs consultancy and legal advisory services to meet industry-specific regulations, ensuring compliance and avoiding unnecessary delays. We also provide step by step guidance to our clients, taking the time to provide relevant advice in person at our Central London office by appointment, on the telephone, by WhatsApp and by email, and we provide ongoing support. Effective communications are critical to customs, and as a professional customs clearance agency with an inhouse legal department, we truly understand international business. 

Through qualified training across areas spanning corporate finance, contract law, trade finance, supply chain agreements, technology and arbitration, Alinea Customs have the capabilities to provide analytical support to assist companies in achieving their objectives. 

Absolutely. Alinea Customs provides flexible services suitable for startups, SMEs, and large corporations. Our solutions are scalable, making them ideal for companies seeking expert customs assistance without the expense of a full-time team.

Since the United Kingdom has left the single market of the European Union, goods imported into the UK from the EU are subject to the same requirement to submit a customs declaration as non-EU imports. Alinea Customs have inhouse expertise addressing all aspects of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Traders may wish to read our white paper – Business After Brexit: A Guide to Trading in Goods with the European Union.  

Since leaving the single market of the European Union, traders are required to submit an export declaration when departing from the United Kingdom and entering the European Union. Export entries are not required when moving goods from Great Britain into Northern Ireland, but an import entry will be required. Alinea Customs offers specialised services to help UK businesses navigate these requirements, minimising delays and ensuring compliance with new regulations.

UK customs reserve the right to inspect any cargo entering the country, and Border Force or Port Health select your cargo for inspection or examination it will usually take place either at the port’s facilities, or at an inland border facility (IBF). 

In the first instance, prior to a physical examination, the National Clearance Hub (NCH) will usually request to undertake a document inspection. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that that data that you provide to customs has a clear and accurate product description, accurate cargo weights and values, and all includes all necessary certificates and licences. For certain cargo a bill of materials and country of origin of each input will also be required. Alinea Customs are trained in evaluation of documentary compliance and will provide professional review and feedback during the customs process. Whilst most goods entering the UK market clear customs without inspection, goods subject to prohibitions and restrictions have an increased risk profile as will any cargo that lacks necessary documentation or is inaccurate. Alinea Customs are trained in customs compliance, and in providing a professional assessment of all information required in advance of submitting the entry to HMRC, reducing the likelihood of delays due to inspection.