Whether you have a full shipping container or a single pallet via LCL (less than container load) arriving into Southampton, you will need to arrange for Southampton customs clearance.
Direct Links with Southampton Port
Southampton customs clearance will typically be completed by a UK based freight forwarder, such as Mercator. We have direct links with the major ports, and complete our own customs clearance declarations at Southampton for our clients on a direct basis. Our direct links and inhouse processing means that we can provide our clients with a seamless and speedy service when it comes to Southampton customs clearance.
AEO Accredited Customs Clearance Agent
In 2024 Mercator was appointed as an HMRC approved Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) agent. This accreditation emphasises our commitment to compliance and accuracy when it comes to customs clearance. Being an AEO agent requires us to uphold high standards in tax and customs compliance, follow internal processes and procedures, maintain accurate records, and ensure accuracy. When you work with an AEO accredited company, you can be safe in the knowledge that you are working with an entity which is committed to high standards and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by HMRC.
Getting Started with Southampton Customs Clearance
Once you appoint Mercator to complete your Southampton customs clearance, we will require you to complete some simple onboarding paperwork to set you up on our system, alongside sharing the commercial documents for the import shipment: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (if applicable), commodity codes and your EORI/VAT number for your company.
Import VAT & Duty Payable
Import VAT and duty might be payable depending upon the commodity code for the goods. You can look the commodity code up on HMRC’s trade tariff, which will give you an indication of levels of VAT and duty depending on the origin of the goods. Import VAT can either be paid up front to HMRC (either directly, or via Mercator if preferred) or accounted for on your company’s periodic VAT return (PVA – postponed VAT accounting). Unless you have your own duty deferment account, import duty will need to be paid for upfront, again either directly or via Mercator.
Delivery to your door
In cases where you have an incoterm which does not include delivery to door, Mercator’s import team can handle delivery to your door by calling on our preferred hauliers based in Southampton. If you have incoterm DAP agreed, Mercator can act as the customs clearance agent.
Get in touch with our team to request a quote for Southampton customs clearance, either with or without delivery to door. You can get in touch by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and someone will be in touch.
