FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Customs compliance ensures your business adheres to trade regulations, avoiding penalties, delays, and reputational risks. It is essential for smooth supply chains, cost efficiency, and maintaining global operations. Partner with Alinea Customs to navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence. Our expertise ensures your compliance processes are seamless, efficient and tailored to your business needs. Contact us

Compliance affects all aspects of trade, from accurate documentation to avoiding delays. Non-compliance can lead to fines, shipment holds, and legal issues that disrupt operations. Alinea Customs is here to help you stay ahead of compliance requirements and safeguard your business from costly disruptions. Reach out to our professional team

Alinea Customs helps your business with customs compliance by offering tailored solutions, including compliance audits to mitigate risks, documentation support and licensing advice to meet regulatory standards, strategies to optimise costs through trade agreements, and ongoing updates on regulatory changes—ensuring your operations remain efficient, compliant, and profitable in a dynamic trade environment.

Non-compliance can result in fines, shipment seizures, and operational delays. Alinea Customs ensures your processes are robust to mitigate these risks.

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. 

Alinea Customs reduces customs-related costs by optimising classifications, leveraging trade agreements, identifying duty recovery opportunities, and streamlining compliance. With competitive pricing starting at £45 per import declaration and volume discounts for regular clients, we deliver cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs. Please contact us for a quotation.

While we focus on medium-sized businesses and corporations, we also provide tailored support for growing companies seeking expert guidance on expanding their international trade operations. We do not provide fast parcel clearance.

Import customs clearance involves processing goods entering the UK, while export customs clearance is for goods leaving the UK. Both require distinct documentation and compliance with specific UK and international regulations. A standard import entry using CDS will be required on import, whereas an export entry must be accompanied by an EAD and ESS declaration creating using CDS.

Alinea Customs offers professional import customs clearance services for businesses. We prepare all necessary documents, provide advice on tariff compliance, and appropriate methods of payment for taxation, and support many businesses on an efficient, day-to-day basis. We will also communicate with customs authorities on behalf of your company where required to.

Our export customs clearance services cover document preparation, compliance review, and export and transit formalities. We will also communicate with customs authorities on behalf of your company where required to. Alinea Customs ensures all export regulations are followed so your goods reach their international destination smoothly.

Yes, businesses can manage customs clearance themselves if they have a  thorough understanding of customs administration and all necessary electronic port interfaces and software subscription. Many businesses, however, prefer to work with a professional customs agent like Alinea Customs who have both customs technology and professionally qualified staff who are trained to undertake the process on your behalf.

Alinea Customs helps businesses minimise customs fees by identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. While customs fees are generally minimal and a standard part of logistics costs, they can often be reduced through strategic measures.

With the UK having established trade agreements with over 70 countries, we help businesses explore opportunities to benefit from these agreements, whether through procurement or exporting UK-originating goods. Our expertise ensures that your business remains compliant, avoids unnecessary costs, and takes full advantage of available customs procedures to reduce fees.

By partnering with Alinea Customs, businesses can efficiently manage customs processes, optimise savings, and focus on core operations.

Customs consultancy involves expert guidance on customs processes, regulatory compliance, supply chain analysis and cost-saving strategies for importing and exporting goods.

Alinea Customs provides advice to businesses to optimise customs procedures and navigate complex regulations. Alinea Customs provides advisory addressing areas including indirect taxation, product-specific rules of origin and producing suppliers’ declarations, advisory on market conformity, tariff classification, and import controls.

A few examples include providing a review of an interior brands’ inventory list of HS codes and classifying to the UK’s 10-digit level. Advising on import controls, reporting on CITES permits for rare wood in the luxury and yachting sector, fluorinated gas compliance for industrial data centres, understanding pet food supplements specifications and the veterinary medicines directive, and reporting on trade remedies within the biodiesel sector.

This list is by no means exhaustive – our customs consultancy team have over twenty years of experience in international trade and UK law and are experienced in providing rapid problem solving across a wide range of industries.

Companies may use Alinea’s consultancy services on a one-off fixed fee project, or an ongoing retainer basis.

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. 

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.

Visit our Customs Training page to learn more. 

Customs compliance 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.

Visit our Customs Training page to learn more. 

Alinea Customs offers a comprehensive 2-day Customs Training Program designed to equip businesses with the practical knowledge and tools needed to manage customs processes effectively. Whether you’re an importer, exporter, or logistics professional, our training ensures you remain compliant with HMRC and other UK regulatory bodies. The course provides hands-on insights into customs law, border obligations, and systems like HMRC’s CDS, empowering your team to handle customs operations confidently and efficiently.

Visit our Customs Training page to learn more. 

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. 

Visit our Customs Training page to learn more. 

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.

To ensure your business complies with customs inspection requirements in the UK, it’s essential to provide accurate and complete documentation, including customs declarations, invoices, and certificates of origin. Alinea Customs can help by offering expert guidance on meeting HMRC regulations, ensuring your goods are correctly classified, valued, and declared. Our team also advises on best practices for record-keeping, physical inspections, and compliance with UK border procedures, reducing the risk of delays, penalties, or non-compliance.