Coordination of Customs formalities and documentation, so your cargo moves compliantly across borders, managed by people who keep you informed until your goods are released.
Many Customs delays come down to documents: a missing certificate, an incorrect classification or a value that does not match the invoice. Each one can hold your cargo, add storage costs and push back delivery.
We check the paperwork before your cargo moves, prepare the declarations and deal with queries from the authorities, so your goods are cleared as quickly as the rules allow.
Clearance of goods arriving in a country, including the import declaration, the duties and taxes due, and release of the cargo for delivery. Getting the documents right before arrival is the best way to avoid holds and storage charges.
Declarations and documents for goods leaving a country, prepared so the cargo is loaded on time and arrives with the paperwork the destination needs.
Both depend on accurate documents, but they place different demands on you. As a general guide:
| Import | Export | |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | When goods arrive in the destination country, before they are released | Before goods leave the country of origin, usually before loading |
| Main documents | Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and any certificates or licences the goods need | Commercial invoice, packing list, and any export licences or certificates of origin required |
| Duties and taxes | Usually payable, based on the classification, value and origin of the goods | Not usually payable, though the declaration must still be accurate |
| Common causes of delay | Missing documents, incorrect classification or valuation, and inspections | Late or incomplete documents, and controlled goods without the right licence |
Requirements differ by country and by type of goods, so we confirm what applies to your shipment before it moves.
What they are, their value and origin, where they are moving from and to, and the agreed Incoterms.
Invoice, packing list, transport documents and any certificates or licences, before the cargo arrives.
With the correct classification and valuation for your goods.
If the authorities ask for more information or select the cargo for inspection, we tell you and deal with it.
And delivered onward by road if you need it, coordinated by the same team.
You deal with people who know international shipping, and senior staff stay involved. You are a customer, not an account number.
We tell you the cost, the timing and the risks as they are, including when the news is not what you want to hear.
We keep you informed from the first document check to release, so you are not left calling to find out where your cargo is.
Queries, inspections and holds happen. When they affect your cargo, we find out what is needed, explain it plainly and stay with it until the goods are released.
Our partner relationships across major trade lanes help make sure the documents work at origin and at destination.
Ocean, air, road, Customs and project cargo are coordinated by one accountable team, so you do not have to manage several providers.
We focus on trade between the UK and Europe, the Middle East and GCC, Pakistan and South Asia, with Customs formalities coordinated at origin and destination.
Usually a commercial invoice, a packing list and the transport document, such as a bill of lading or air waybill. Some goods also need a certificate of origin, an import or export licence, or product certificates. Requirements vary by country and by type of goods, so we confirm what applies before your cargo moves.
The Harmonised System (HS) code classifies your goods for Customs. It decides the duty rate and whether licences or certificates are needed. An incorrect code can mean paying the wrong duty, delays or penalties.
It depends on the Incoterms agreed between buyer and seller. Under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), the seller pays the import duties and taxes. Under most other terms, the buyer or importer pays them.
It depends on the country, the goods, the accuracy of the documents and whether the shipment is selected for inspection. Complete, accurate documents submitted early are the most reliable way to avoid delays.
We tell you as soon as we know, find out the reason, explain what is needed and work with you and the authorities to get the goods released.
Send us the details of your goods and route, and our team will tell you what is needed.
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