UK based freight forwarder, Mercator, has been shipping rugs from India since incorporation in the early 1990s. Today, we still have a number of customers who import rugs from India, Turkey and Nepal.
Before agreeing to any overseas purchase, get to know your Incoterms, and which best fits your needs. Typically when arranging LCL imports from India, we would recommend either Ex Works (EXW) or free on board (FOB). With EXW you, as the buyer, are responsible for the cargo from the seller’s door, including export customs in India, all the way to door in the UK. If you opt for FOB, then your seller will be responsible to complete export customs in India and deliver the goods to the vessel for shipping to the UK.
The Incoterm you opt for will depend on your appetite for what you are happy to organise (which in reality would be all in your freight forwarder’s hands) and how much the seller of the goods is quoting to complete export customs and haulage to the port.
If you were to choose an EXW term and appoint Mercator, we would handle the entire process of shipping from India for you from door to door in partnership with our agent in Mumbai, providing you with a seamless service and one point of contact.
An important point to consider when shipping rugs from India to the UK is the way in which the rolls are packed for shipping. Over the years, we have seen the best results and minimal issues when the rolls are palletised for shipping, particularly for LCL shipments. This would be an important aspect to negotiate when agreeing the purchase, and necessary information to clarify when obtaining a quote for shipping rugs from India to the UK.
Our team handled this LCL shipment of 68 rolls of hand tufted rugs from Nhava Sheva to Felixstowe for the UK importer (picture below). As this particular shipment was on FOB basis, Mercator handled the LCL sea freight, landing costs in the UK, customs clearance, payment to HMRC of the import VAT and duty, and delivery to the UK importer’s door.
The volume of your shipment would usually dictate whether you utilise LCL or FCL (full container load) shipping. Less than container load shipping is very popular for consignments which do not necessitate a full container, however, it is important to consider a 20’ shipping container, which would typically fit 10-11 pallets depending on the size, could be a preferred option even if the shipment was as little as 7 or 8 pallets, which could be loaded in the dedicated shipping container as loose rolls, or as pallets.
FCL shipments can be preferable in terms of speed, less handling of the goods and sometimes more cost effective if over a particular size. Timings can be slightly shorter if shipping as FCL as the container would be loaded at the seller’s site, rather than at to co-loader’s warehouse, which can be delivered up to a week before sailing. Likewise, when the shipping container arrives in the UK, with LCL you would have to wait for it to be unpacked, whereas a FCL would be delivered directly to your door after customs clearance.
Currently, transit times port to port from India to the UK are 35-40 days depending on loading port, and whether the shipping container transits or if it is a direct sailing. There are weekly sailings from most of the main ports in India. If the transit time looks tight for your timescales, or you require the goods much sooner, then air freight from India to the UK is a backup option, taking a matter of days.
You will need to instruct your freight forwarder to complete your import customs clearance on behalf of your UK based company. To do this, they will require the commercial documents and clarification of the commodity code(s). Currently, import VAT on rugs from India is set at 20%. Import duty for rugs from India varies from 2-8% depending on how the rugs are manufactured and materials used.
Mercator is an HMRC approved AEO agent, so you can confidently appoint us to handle your customs clearances with the knowledge that we are an entity with high standards in tax and customs compliance, customs record keeping, practical standards of competence, and financial security.
To request a quote for shipping rugs from India, or any other commodity, get in touch with our team. We can be contacted by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or complete the form below and we will be in touch.
UK-based freight forwarder, Mercator, arranges the import of ambient and dry foodstuffs into the UK regularly. There are several factors you will need to consider when planning for shipping food from South Korea to the UK.
When planning for shipping food from South Korea to the UK, it is important to consider whether you will utilise sea freight or air freight. Air freight is much quicker (7-10 days door to door), but you will pay a premium for the speed. Sea freight is a popular choice for non-urgent freight. If you do not have enough cargo to fill a full shipping container, LCL (less than container load) is an option, the freight is calculated by space taken up (unless your shipment is very heavy). Sea freight from South Korea to the UK takes in the region of 40 days port to port.
Mercator typically does not handle perishable food stuffs for shipping, but despite this, reefers (refrigerated containers) can be a preference for ambient foods that are sensitive to temperature changes, for example confectionery. You may opt for a reefer for shipping food from South Korea to the UK in order to maintain the ambient temperature range, so that the goods do not spoil in transit. If you do not require temperature control in your shipment, then you can utilise LCL shipping, 20’, 40’ or 40’ high cube shipping containers. Food items we typically see being imported from Korea to the UK include dry foods such as noodles, biscuits, dried fruits, dried spices, etc, canned/jarred foods and soft drinks.
Before purchasing any goods, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the information published by the Food Standards Agency in the UK, to ensure that the products you wish to import into the UK comply with packaging requirements and do not contain restricted ingredients.
Rates of UK import VAT and duty vary according to the commodity classification. Once you have the commodity codes from your supplier in Korea, you can check them against the UK trade tariff. Mercator will complete the UK import customs clearance on your behalf and notify you of the import VAT and duty payable, which you can either pay directly to HMRC, or via Mercator.
Mercator is an AEO accredited freight forwarder, meaning we have been vetted and approved by HMRC to be upholding certain standards in tax and customs compliance, record keeping for customs, practical standards of competency within our team, and financial security. We hold badges at the main ports in the UK allowing our import team to complete customs clearances efficiently.
An incoterm is an internationally recognised set of buying terms, specifying in the chain who (the shipper/seller, and the buyer/consignee) is responsible for the goods at which point in time, and who is responsible for arranging the different aspects of the shipping process. Mercator can handle your shipping food from South Korea to the UK on any incoterm, from EXW (complete door to door process), FOB (Korea port to door in UK) or FCA (port in UK to door in the UK), thanks to our experienced and trusted partner agent based in Seoul. We work with our partners in Korea on a weekly basis, Mercator will only use a trusted and reputable agent overseas for our customers shipments, giving you peace of mind that your cargo is in safe hands.
If you are looking for a quote for shipping food from South Korea to the UK, get in touch with our import team who will be glad to assist you. In order to provide you with a quote we will need the incoterm, dimensions of the cargo and weight (or container size if full load), location in Korea, and postcode for delivery in the UK. Our import team regularly handle shipments from Korea, and imports of foodstuffs from Asia, put your trust in a company who has experience and knowledge to complete the shipment for you. You can get in touch by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and our team will get back to you.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The incoterm that you agree with your supplier in India (otherwise known as “the shipper”) will depend upon whether you are importing tiles from India in a full shipping container (FCL) or are planning to ship a less than container load (LCL) for shipping from India.
For LCL it is recommended that you agree either a FOB or EXW term. If you are shipping FCL then you could utilise EXW, FOB, DAP or anything in between.
FOB (free on board) means that the shipper is responsible for the risk and arranging the goods to be delivered to a pre-agreed ship at a particular port. For FOB, the shipper also takes care of the export customs at origin. As the UK importer, you will be able to appoint your UK based freight forwarder to handle the sea freight, UK customs clearance and delivery to your door in the UK.
EXW (ex works) means you, as the UK importer, are responsible for the entire journey from the shipper’s door in India (plus export declaration in India) to your own door in the UK (plus UK import customs clearance).
DAP (delivered at place) means the shipper in India is responsible for getting the shipment to an agreed destination in the UK, and you (the UK importer) will arrange the customs clearance and cover any UK import taxes and duties.
There are weekly direct sea freight sailings from the major ports in India to the major ports in the UK. The exact transit times port to port will vary, but typically sea freight shipping from India to the UK takes between 17 to 21 days (providing there are no unusual circumstances affecting world trade).
Due to weight limits for inland haulage, importing tiles from India will typically be arranged in 20’ shipping containers. Maximum weight limits on roads differs across the globe, so ensure the shipper is aware of restrictions on the UK roads and goods are loaded at origin accordingly.
Once your import consignment of tiles from India has arrived in the UK, it will need to be cleared through customs using a customs broker. Mercator has direct links to the major UK sea freight ports allowing us to complete timely customs clearances. This, teamed with our recently awarded AEO status, makes us a great partner to ensure your customs controls are compliant and streamlined.
India is named in the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) which allows the ability to claim preferential tariff rates on certain goods. More details can be found on the UK trade tariff by selecting the commodity code that is applicable to your goods. If your goods qualify for preferential duty rates, our team will ensure that your documentation provided to us is compliant and up to date with current HMRC requirements.
If you are looking for a reputable freight forwarder to handle your imports from India, whether you have a full or part container load, please get in touch with our import team who will be able to assist you with a quote. You can contact our team by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and someone will be in touch.
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.
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.
