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.
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.
