When preparing to import into the UK, your Customs Clearance Agent UK will act on your behalf in correspondence with HMCR and Border Force and any other parties involved in the import process. If your goods are seized or held by Border Force on arrival in the UK, your Customs Clearance Agent UK will notify you that the goods have been held and advise on the next steps and any action you may need to take.

There are many reasons why goods are stopped at customs on arrival into the UK. Your Customs Clearance Agent UK will advise you that this could be because of any of the following reasons:

1. Suspicion of restricted items – items which are banned or require an import licence.
2. Customs VAT and Duty queries – If there is a discrepancy or dispute regarding the amount of revenue which is owed.
3. Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation – Your Customs Clearance Agent UK may advise that if the goods are missing documentation or information, this could hold up clearance.
4. If the goods are entering the UK on an ATA Carnet, your Customs Clearance Agent UK should advise the container may be pulled for an inspection to determine the goods inside and that they have been declared correctly, due to the VAT and Duty waiver from using the ATA Carnet document
5. Physical Inspections – Border Force can and will carry out random goods inspection checks and can hold the cargo as long as they require to complete the relevant inspections. Your Customs Clearance Agent UK will advise you once the goods have been released and passed all inspections.

If your goods are held your Customs Clearance Agent UK and they don’t pass inspections, this could result in goods seizure. Which then means Border Force may permanently hold the goods. At this stage your Customs Clearance Agent UK may advise you to seek legal customs advice as well.

Usually a goods hold is temporary, your Customs Clearance Agent UK will guide you through the whole process and advise you of any information you need to provide or additional documentation to support your case. Your Customs Clearance Agent UK will also explain that if you believe your goods have been seized for unjustifiable reasons, you have the right to appeal or file a complaint through HMRC.

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 shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment.

Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – bizdev@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk