Importing goods and customs clearance in the United Kingdom

If you want to ship your goods to the United Kingdom then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into the United Kingdom. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Importing goods

The UK operates its customs system through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which manages import declarations, duties, and compliance. The UK is no longer part of the EU Customs Union, so goods entering the country must comply with the UK-specific customs rules. Visit UK Government – Importing for detailed guidance.

General Import Process

Customs Declaration
- Submit an import declaration through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) or use a customs agent.
- Required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and any necessary certificates or licenses.
Import Duties and VAT
- Duties are based on the product’s HS code. Use the UK Global Tariff database (UK Tariff Lookup) to calculate applicable rates.
- VAT (Value-Added Tax):
  - Standard rate: 20%.
  - Reduced rate: 5% for some energy products and medical equipment.
  - Zero-rated: Basic food items, children’s clothing, and books.
Additional Non-Financial Requirements
- Goods may require additional certifications or compliance with UK-specific standards, such as the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking for certain products.
- Access non-financial requirements per product using the Access2Markets Portal.
Inspection and Clearance
- Customs inspections may occur. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days if all documents are in order.
Release of Goods
- Cleared goods are free for delivery to their UK destination or stored in bonded warehouses.

Service Providers for Assistance

DHL Supply Chain UK – dhl.com
Kuehne+Nagel UK – kuehne-nagel.com
Palletways UK – palletways.com
Freightline Carriers – freightlinecarriers.co.uk
Simarco Logistics – simarco.com

Importing Small Parcels

For small parcels, major couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, Royal Mail, and Parcelforce handle shipments efficiently. Shipping costs for a 2kg parcel:

From the USA: £20-£40 for economy services.
From China: £18-£35 for economy services.

Express shipping options (2-5 days) are available at higher costs. Pricing varies based on service provider, urgency, and destination within the UK. Check directly with couriers for precise rates.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into the United Kingdom in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.