Helpful Customs Information

Navigating customs procedures can be challenging, but having the right resources at hand makes all the difference. Below, you'll find essential links and guidance to help you along the way.

Trade Tariff Services

Understanding the correct commodity codes is essential for calculating duties and ensuring compliance with UK trade laws.

• UK Trade Tariff Service – Find the correct commodity code for your goods.

• Northern Ireland Online Tariff – Guidance for businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Customs Declaration Services

Businesses importing or exporting goods need to ensure they have access to the UK’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

• Subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service – Sign up for HMRC’s customs declaration platform.

Duty Deferment and Payments

For businesses that regularly import goods, setting up a duty deferment account can streamline payments.

• Set up a new deferment authority – Manage your customs payments efficiently.

• How to use your duty deferment account – Guidance on managing payments through your account.

• Pay for imports declared using CDS – Learn about payment methods, including FAS, Faster Payment, CHAPS, and BACS.

• Use a cash account for customs declarations – Information on using a cash account for customs payments.

Essential Registration and Compliance

Ensuring that your business is correctly registered with HMRC is a key step in importing and exporting goods.

• Apply for an EORI number – Required for trading goods with the EU and other countries.

• Check when you can account for import VAT on your VAT return – VAT guidance for importers.

Import Controls and Regulations

Certain goods require additional notifications and compliance with specific regulations.

• IPAFF – Import Notification – Submit import notifications for food, feed, and animal products.

Commodity Classification and Rules of Origin

Getting the correct commodity code for your products is essential for accurate duty calculations and compliance.

• Ask HMRC for help classifying goods – Get expert advice on classification.

• Check what you’ll need for a legally binding decision on a commodity code – Secure a binding ruling for your goods.

Understanding preferential rates and rules of origin can help businesses reduce tariffs on qualifying goods.

• Guidance for preferential rates of duty and rules of origin – Learn how to claim reduced rates of duty.

• Check your goods meet the rules of origin – Ensure compliance with international trade agreements.

Need Assistance?

At Davies Turner, we offer expert customs support to help businesses navigate complex regulations and streamline their import and export operations. If you need further assistance, contact our customs team today.