When you are preparing to import goods into the UK, you must ensure that you take a number of steps to prevent hold us or ‘issues’ when the goods are in transit and arrive in the UK. Always seek advice from your customs clearance agent UK when you’re planning to import goods.
There are a list of factors which you need to consider when preparing to import, your customs clearance agent UK may ask you for the following information.
• The price of the goods – your customs clearance agent UK will need to declare this on the import customs clearance, this will also be used by HMRC to determine the taxes and duties applicable on the import of the goods.
• The mode of transport in which the goods are being transported and the routing they will take.
• You must have established which Inco Term is suitable for the shipment, if you are unfamiliar with Inco Terms, your customs clearance agent UK will be able to best advise you, depending on the circumstances of the import.
• Destination requirements – For example, if the goods you’re importing have a restriction in place in the UK. Again, your customs clearance agent UK will be able to advise you if there are any restrictions in place, with guidance from the UK Trade Tariff.
• Are the goods classed as hazardous or dangerous.
• Do the goods require special instructions for handling or packaging. For example, if they are fragile goods and need to be handled with care or kept upright when in transit for delivery or unloading at the warehouse on arrival in the UK.
• Who is the supplier or seller of the goods.
• The payment terms of the shipment, this will also help to determine the Inco Terms of the shipment.
Your customs clearance agent will also ask you for the following paperwork to process the import customs clearance.
• The Commercial Invoice or Bill of Sale.
• Packing List.
• Supporting documents for preference – For example if there is a preference rate of duty between the country of origin and the UK. Your customs clearance agent can advise you if you’re not sure if this is applicable.
• Certificate of Origin – To confirm the country of manufacture of the goods.
• 941 Form – If you are a US Military Member and have Military Service Orders from the USA to the UK, you will be exempt from paying import VAT and Duty as long as you have the 941 form to support the vehicle you are bringing into the UK. Your customs clearance agent will then input the relevant data to the import customs clearance declaration to ensure the VAT and Duty are waivered.

Once you have discussed the above with your customs clearance agent and freight forwarder, you will be able to proceed with shipment and begin the process to import your goods to the UK. It is always important to make sure you have the above in order before booking any sort of shipment to avoid delays or issues during the shipment process.
Trans Global Logistics UK Limited , international Shipping & Logistics company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Vehicle Transport / Customs Clearance/ Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your Vehicle Customs Clearance in the UK.
Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – customs@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk