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We know moving your goods to and from the EU can often be a challenge. It’s the added cost, the extra paperwork, and the uncertainty about where your goods are in the customs process at any given time. We get it. That’s why we built CustomsClear.
Reduce the cost of importing and exporting by removing the need for a third party to get goods cleared to and from the UK and choose from straightforward pricing plans with no set-up costs or hidden fees.
No customs knowledge necessary, CustomsClear helps you easily submit import and export declarations online with the help of quick tips and our help desk available.
Real-time feedback from HMRC and visibility into your declaration status allows you to action requests quickly to keep goods moving.
Get unlimited access to CustomsClear for 30 days. Try out the software and submit customs declarations directly to HMRC, with no customs expertise required and no set-up costs or hidden fees.
Before you submit import and export declarations, there are a few things you should know. That’s why we’ve put together the CustomsClear declaration checklist of basics to help you get started.
CustomsClear is for UK businesses looking for a simpler, alternative way to create import and export declarations to trade with EU businesses*
CustomsClear is for you if you're:
Importing or exporting goods between businesses in the EU using standard (full) declarations
Moving your goods via road transport through RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ports operating the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS)
Importing your goods through ports using the pre-lodgement model, meaning that goods arriving need to have a submitted customs declaration in advance of boarding on the EU side.
Intending to release your goods to free circulation
These FAQs give a general summary of the key considerations for businesses trading with the EU. They are not specific to any one type of goods or business scenario and this information is no substitute for professional advice.
The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is HMRC’s new digital platform which supports businesses making import and export declarations when moving goods into and out of the United Kingdom.
You can subscribe to CDS to submit an import or export declaration via the government website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-customs-declaration-service. You will also be able to create a new direct debit mandate for your Duty Deferment Account (as applicable) following your registration via the CDS Finance Dashboard. This CDS Finance Dashboard also contains important data and documents such as Duty Deferment/Postponed VAT Accounting statements (detailing any postponed import VAT), and C79 certificates (as applicable).
All businesses submitting import customs declarations can do so via CDS. All export declarations should be submitted via CDS from 30 November 2023 to carry on exporting from 1 December 2023, when the old system Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) is due to close.
Yes, all importers, exporters and declarants should register for CDS. All goods imported into the UK or exported out of the UK require a customs declaration.
Yes, you can submit your own customs declarations directly to HMRC’s CDS system although you will require specialist software that can submit declarations to do this. To make things simpler, Deloitte has built CustomsClear which allows you to submit declarations directly to HMRC for just £15 per declaration and only answering those questions that are relevant to your declaration. Register here for CustomsClear: https://customsclear.deloitte.com/register/contact/
There are three main options for submitting your customs declarations. These are:
Read more here and decide which is the right option for you:
https://customsclear.deloitte.com/insights/short-reads/customs-options-for-small-businesses/
The following links help outline the import and export declaration process:
This publication has been written in general terms and we recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from action on any of the contents of this publication. Deloitte LLP accepts no liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication.
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Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”). DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL and Deloitte NSE LLP do not provide services to clients. Please see About Deloitte to learn more about our global network of member firms.
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Once you’re signed up and onboarded to CustomsClear, your 30 days of free access starts.
During that time, you can submit unlimited declarations and access to the CustomClear support team.
At the end of the free 30 days, you will be asked to select a subscription.
