Import Goods into the UK Business Clients

Importing Goods into the United Kingdom

Bringing goods into the UK from the EU or other third countries involves customs declarations, taxes, and compliance with UK import rules.
At Terminus, we manage every stage of the process — from customs clearance and document preparation to duty and VAT optimisation — ensuring your business imports are fully compliant with HMRC and UK Border Target Operating Model regulations.

It ensures your goods can move under customs control without import duties being charged until they reach their final destination in the EU.

Importing from the EU to the UK

Since Brexit, all goods entering the UK from the EU are subject to customs control. Depending on the type of goods and your authorisations, you may need to:

  • Submit a customs declaration using the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
  • Pay import duty and import VAT (or account for VAT using Postponed VAT Accounting – PVA).
  • Provide commodity codes (HS/CN) and origin information.
  • Meet UK safety, labelling, and conformity standards (e.g. UKCA marking).
  • Use a GB EORI number for customs processing.

Importing from Non-EU (Third) Countries

Imports from outside the EU — such as China, USA, Turkey, India, or Switzerland — require additional formalities:

  • Import declaration via CDS for each shipment.
  • Commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (CMR, B/L, AWB).
  • Certificates of origin or preference proofs (e.g. EUR.1, REX) to claim preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements.
  • Licences or permits, where required (e.g. CITES, dual-use, phytosanitary).
  • Payment of customs duty, excise duty, and import VAT at the border.

Customs Duties and VAT

All goods imported into the UK must be classified with a commodity code that determines:

  • The rate of customs duty (percentage or specific value).
  • Whether tariff preferences or quotas apply.
  • If additional measures (e.g. anti-dumping, excise, licensing) are required.

We calculate duty and VAT accurately using UK Global Tariff (UKGT) data and ensure all available preferences are applied — reducing your costs.

Simplified & Deferred Import Procedures

Approved traders may benefit from simplified declaration procedures, such as:

  • Entry in Declarant’s Records (EIDR).
  • Customs Freight Simplified Procedures (CFSP).
  • Duty Deferment Accounts for postponing payment of import charges.

Terminus can help your business apply for and manage these authorisations to speed up future imports.

Import Compliance & Border Checks

Depending on the type of goods, your shipment may be subject to additional UK border controls:

  • Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks for food, plants, and live animals.
  • Health and veterinary certificates.
  • Product conformity and safety checks.
  • CITES and dual-use control for restricted goods.

We coordinate all required certificates and pre-notifications in systems such as IPAFFS and PEACH, ensuring smooth entry into the UK.

How Terminus Simplifies UK Imports

✔ Full customs clearance for EU and third-country goods.
✔ Tariff classification and duty optimisation.
✔ Electronic communication with HMRC via CDS.
✔ PVA and deferred VAT management.
✔ Support with licences, certificates, and regulatory compliance.
✔ 24/7 assistance for urgent shipments.

what we offer
service 24/7

we work around the clock to keep your business running

no hidden costs

no surprises as to invoices for the clearance

tailored services

offering only necessary services with no extras

human personnel

you will not have to deal with AI agents