The amount of import VAT and duty payable upon clearance into the UK is dependent on three factors. Firstly the percentage of import VAT and/or duty is dictated by the commodity code (sometimes also known as a tariff code) that the goods are being declared to UK Customs as.
The percentage for import duty is applied to the amount for freight, insurance (if any) and the value of the goods. The percentage for import VAT is applied to the CIF value, plus the duty amount, and a minimal amount added as an adjustment (known as a VAT adjustment charge). This calculation is dictated by HMRC. If you are feeling lost, do not worry, your customs clearance agent will do all the sums for you.
Generally, your supplier overseas will provide you with the tariff code for your import goods. If it is not on the commercial invoice, then you can ask them to provide it. Alternatively you can classify the goods using HMRC’s tariff.
This can also be checked on HMRC’s online tariff, simply enter the commodity code and the country that you are importing from. If there are special tariffs applicable due to a trade deal with that country (such as the UK-Australia and New Zealand trade deal), then the online tariff will reflect this.
If you are looking for a UK based customs clearance agent to handle a one-off clearance, or regular customs clearances for your company, then contact our import department. We will be glad to provide you with a quote for customs clearance, and onward delivery if required. Mercator has been in business for over 30 years, we have badges at the major ports which means we handle the clearances in house. Our import department are furnished with the latest software, up to date knowledge and relevant experience to handle customs clearances efficiently and accurately on behalf of our customers.
You can contact our import department by emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk, calling (+44) 02392 756 575 (we are here 9-5 Monday-Friday), or complete the form below and someone will be in touch.
Shipping goods from overseas to the UK can be a complex process. There are numerous regulations and customs clearance processes that must be handled correctly in order to ensure your goods arrive safely and in a timely manner. That’s why it’s important to have a freight forwarder who is experienced in handling import customs clearances.
Mercator is one such company and we specialise in import and export customs clearance at Felixstowe port. Mercator’s import team is able to handle more than just the UK import customs clearance when shipping in to Felixstowe; we are also able to settle UK landside charges with the shipping carriers, manage port health matters, devanning and onward deliveries. Our export customs clearance at Felixstowe services can be expanded to also include deliveries to port and export sea freight for both part and full container loads.
With over 30 years of experience helping companies import and export, you can rest assured that your goods will be shipped safely and efficiently when you use Mercator for all your shipping needs. If you’re looking for a reliable freight forwarder with direct links to HMRC for importing or exporting at the Port of Felixstowe, you should consider using Mercator’s customs clearance service.
Delivering to-door with Mercator’s services for customs clearance at Felixstowe is simple and efficient. As a UK based freight forwarder, we are able to handle more than just the UK import customs clearance at Felixstowe Port. We handle settling UK landside charges with the shipping carriers, port health matters with Suffolk Coastal Port Health, devan services, and onward deliveries to door around the UK.
Our import team will handle all the processes and paperwork necessary for successful customs clearance of your goods at Felixstowe. We process entry documents, prepare and submit pre-arrival declarations in accordance with HMRC’s rules, provide consultations on duty reliefs and origin issues, check transit documentation prior to arrival of your goods and handle direct payments to HMRC for import VAT & duty on your behalf. We will handle it all so you don’t have to.
At Mercator, we understand that delivering your shipment to-door is an important part of the process. That’s why we offer our customers a range of onward delivery services from Felixstowe to door around the UK.
From palletised shipments to full loads and part loads, our team can handle anything. We provide full end-to-end solutions that not only include import customs clearance and payments to HMRC, but also professional delivery services that you can rely on.
Whether it’s a one-off delivery or regular shipments, Mercator can deliver to any address in the UK with outstanding efficiency and reliability.
If you’re looking to export out of the Port of Felixstowe, a UK-based freight forwarder like Mercator can ensure your goods have the necessary statuses in a timely manner so that your shipment is accepted by the shipping line for the particular sailing you are aiming for.
Mercator’s experienced inhouse export customs clearance team offer expertise to their clients on all aspects of UK export customs clearance when shipping from Felixstowe. We have strong working relationships with local hauliers and shipping lines to be able to arrange collection of your export shipment and delivery to the Port of Felixstowe. Our freight forwarding team also arrange export sea freight shipping of both part and full container loads. Check out our destinations here.
We can take care of the hassle of paperwork and regulations, allowing you to focus on your core business. At Mercator, our team of experts work hard to make sure every shipment is successful. We keep up with changing rules and regulations set by HMRC for UK Imports that could affect your shipments in Felixstowe, allowing you to feel confident in the knowledge that you’re getting maximum value from our service.
At Mercator, our mission is to make UK customs clearance at Felixstowe port an easy and seamless process. Our experienced import team is here to ensure that your cargo is cleared through customs efficiently, and that all port health, landside charges and onward delivery services are taken care of with the utmost care and attention. With decades of experience and expertise in the logistics industry, you can rely on us to make sure your importing needs are taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Freight forwarder Mercator has an experienced and professional team with the ability to complete the UK customs clearance of most cargoes at the majority of UK sea freight ports and airports.
Our team has many years of experience of handling UK imports and completing customs clearance entries. Our import team will be able to assist with VAT and duty calculations and guide you with any documents that may be required for import into the UK.
UK import customs clearance will generally be the responsibility of the consignee in the UK. There are a few situations where the shipper at origin will be responsible, this is all dependant upon which Incoterm you have agreed with the shipper (the company you are purchasing the goods from). You can read more about INCOTERMS here.
As a UK importer, you will need an EORI number, which usually links to your VAT number (if you have one). Apply for an EORI number here.
Our team work closely with shipping companies, dock operators, warehouses and hauliers on a daily basis, so we have strong connections to handle customs clearance and the onward journey to door in an efficient manner.
We have direct links with HMRC at Felixstowe, Southampton, Liverpool and London Gateway to name a few. This gives us the ability to efficiently customs clear part and full loads arriving via sea freight into the UK.
We handle HMRC VAT and duty payments on a daily basis for our customers. We manage the payments highly effectively in order to ensure a fast turnaround and therefore swift release by UK Customs.
UK customs clearance is an important part of the shipping process. Make sure you choose a reputable customs clearance expert such as Mercator who will be able to handle the process efficiently for you. To discuss your UK customs clearance requirements, contact our team by calling +44 2392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk, or by filling in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
Mercator is a UK based customs clearance agent. We deal with clearing goods through UK customs on a daily basis. Our clearance services cover all UK ports, air and sea, including customs clearance at Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway, and airport customs clearance at Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester.
Our Import Team specialise in all aspects of UK import shipping. We can handle all shipping services you require. For example, if you need an agent to handle the pick-up of your goods in the USA, sea freight to the UK, customs clearance at the UK port and onward delivery to your door, we can help. Likewise if you just need clearance at the UK port because the freight aspect is covered with a buying term you have agreed with your supplier, we can help.
Ideally, it is best to talk to a UK customs clearance agent even before you have bought your goods, as sometimes there are certain restrictions, or particularly heavy duty charges on some types of goods. An example is ceramic tiles from China, there is a very steep ‘anti-dumping’ duty designed to “allow the EC to take action against goods that are sold at less than their normal value”. So it’s a good idea to check you know there will be no nasty surprises.
Our import customs clearance team can help you calculate any VAT & duty that is payable upon arrival in the UK. The amount of import VAT & duty depends on the nature of the goods and their value on the commercial invoice. Most of our customers appoint us to handle their VAT & duty payments to HMRC, to allow swift clearance through customs, avoiding any high charges associated with delays.
In short, we can hold your hand through the whole process of UK importing and UK customs clearance, advising all costs and when they are payable so that you know what to pay and when.
Whether your shipment is yet to leave its destination, it is on the water, or has already arrived in the UK, our team are ready to get your customs clearance assignment started when you are. So give us a call to discuss your customs clearance requirements +44 2392 756 575 or email us on sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk, or please feel free to complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.
If you have not imported goods into the UK before, you may be wondering how import VAT and duty works.
How much VAT and duty will I need to pay?
HMRC uses a ‘tariff’ to determine the rate (a percentage) of VAT and duty that needs to be paid on customs clearance. This means that the rate is dependent upon what your goods are, and their worth. Take a look here: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff. Our team of freight forwarders will classify your goods when we handle your shipment and/or customs clearance, calculate the amount payable, and handle payments to HMRC (if required).
Who is responsible for paying for the VAT and duty?
You, as the importer, are responsible for settling any VAT and duty payable upon your goods arrival in the UK. Your goods will not be released from customs until this is settled. Most of our customers opt to use us to clear their import through customs. Our standard procedure is to calculate the rate of VAT and duty payable, an invoice is raised for this amount, once funds from our customer has cleared into our account, we forward the payment to HMRC with the necessary release instructions. Customs clearance is required for both air and sea imports.
Can I claim back VAT and duty?
If you are VAT registered, then you should be able to claim back any import VAT (not duty). To import into the UK you will require an EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification). This is a straight forward process of filling in a form, you should receive your EORI number within a week. We can assist you with this if required.
Give us a call to discuss Mercator Cargo handling your shipment, or UK customs clearance and delivery. Our team of freight forwarders deal with UK clearance and delivery, and international shipping on a daily basis – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
If you are new to importing or exporting from the UK, you may be wondering what a freight forwarder does, what their role with your company should be, what they can offer, and what the responsibilities of the importer/exporter (i.e. you) versus the freight forwarder are.
To cut the jargon, the freight forwarder (the person or company that you appoint to handle your shipment) will do just that – they will handle your shipment for you. Freight forwarders oversee the worldwide movement of goods from country to country, and can offer services such as packing, documentation and customs clearance on behalf of exporters and importers.
Your freight forwarder should be able to offer any kind of level of service you require. For example, if you are completely new to importing and exporting your goods, you may wish your freight forwarder to arrange all aspects of your shipment. This might include a door-to-door delivery (i.e. arrange the collection of goods, and delivery of goods to the door for your chosen destination), insurance, customs clearance, and all services required to deliver goods from one country to the next. However, you may decide that you only wish for a delivery from door to port, or from port to door, and so on. Mercator can offer either a fully comprehensive freight forwarding service, or arrange smaller aspects of your shipment.
So what kind of role do you wish your freight forwarder to have with your company? Again, this entirely depends on your needs and the needs of your business. If you are a first time importer, or exporter, you may wish to make initial contact with your freight forwarder before committing to any international trade with other companies. Mercator Cargo can offer you advice on buying terms from abroad, provide quotes for exports from the UK so you can inform your buyers, and also advise what you can or cannot import from country to country. Our experienced team of freight forwarders can offer as much “hand holding” as you require.
What are your responsibilities, and what are our responsibilities? In a nut shell, our responsibilities are to get your goods to its destination for you as instructed, to inform you every step of the way of your shipment, and to provide reliable advice relating to your shipment. Your responsibilities as an importer or exporter vary from shipment to shipment. You are required to declare your goods accurately (i.e. if a declaration is made on your behalf as instructed, and it is not accurate, you are liable for this, not the freight forwarder), therefore it is essential you advise your freight forwarder of the accurate nature of your goods.
If you think that you might need the services of a freight forwarder, then give us a call, we will be happy to discuss your freight forwarding needs with you – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
If you are importing goods into the UK for the first time, you will need to understand ‘customs clearance’ and your responsibilities with regards to paying VAT & Duty on your import. As freight forwarders, we can handle your customs clearance for you.
If you do not yet have an EORI Number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) then you will need to contact HMRC to obtain one. This number will be used as a reference when dealing with any customs matters relating to your shipments. It is a requirement to have an EORI number when importing goods into the UK, and it is fairly straight forward to obtain one (generally it takes less than a week to obtain this through HMRC).
I have my EORI number, what else do I need to know? The following list details some other aspects you will need to know/have before you import your goods:
What do I actually need on the day of import? In order for your goods to clear customs, you will need to have the following sent to us in advance of the import:
These documents will not only allow us to proceed with customs clearance, but will also allow us to calculate the amount of VAT and duty payable (this can be worked out in advance if required).
If you choose us as your freight forwarder to handle your import into the UK, and decide for us to handle your VAT & duty payment to HMRC, we will require the cleared funds to be able to release your shipment.
If this sounds intimidating, then please do not despair! As experienced freight forwarders we are here to guide our customers through this process, and are happy to provide a “hand holding” service for those new to the process.
Give us a call today if you have any questions about your import shipment with us – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
As we are now in 2013, you may be thinking of expanding your UK based manufacturing business. Perhaps you have a product that is selling well in the UK, but you’re considering the global market place. Freight forwarding might seem a daunting area for new exporters, but we’re here to help.
As experienced freight forwarders based in the UK, we can offer a comprehensive service to all our customers, both large and small. As a family-run, independent freight forwarder, we are able to take the time to guide you through exporting your UK manufactured goods to the global market.
Mercator offers air, sea and road freight worldwide. We are rather unique in that we are a founding member of a global network made up of other independent freight forwarders like us. This allows us personal contacts in almost every country around the world, and invaluable, local knowledge.
Think you might need hand-holding the whole way? No problem. We are well versed in introducing the procedures to new exporters.
Need advice on different options? Mercator can offer advice on ocean freight, air freight and road freight, including costings, transit times, and any local charges you may incur at your goods destination.
Mercator began trading over twenty years ago, and our first customer back in 1991 is still our customer today.
If you’re still wondering if we’re right for you, why not give us a call on 02392 756 575, or email sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk, and either George or Jess will be in touch about your export freight.
10, St George’s Business Centre,
St Georges Square,
Portsmouth, PO1 3EZ, UK
Mercator is a family-run, UK based independent freight forwarder, offering highly effective sea, road and air freight services around the world.
