Customs Clearance

One of the biggest headaches when shipping to international customers is undoubtedly customs clearance, and this issue has only become more complicated since the rollout of Brexit. Taking Brexit aside we’re experts in, export-worldwide and worldwide-import clearance capabilities

The good news: you don’t have to worry about it with Green Leaves Logistics on your side.

Due to possessing over 40 years of experience, we have a complete understanding of all the processes involved with customs. Adapting to recent changes also hasn’t been problematic due to our expertise, ensuring businesses can have a smooth, stress-free experience when importing and exporting goods.

Customs Declaration Service

In 2018, the UK government began a sweeping change of the import/export customs system by introducing the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) platform. For 25 years previously, the system used was Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF).

With CDS estimated to be able to handle more than four times the number of declarations as CHIEF per year, and with Brexit looming, the decision was made to upgrade the UK’s customs system.

Both systems have been utilised in a dual approach by HMRC, but the CHIEF platform will be switched off entirely by March 2023.

Due to this, it’s essential for all importers and exporters to become familiar with CDS, including the completion of additional paperwork and regulations.

Brexit – Import/Export Paperwork and Regulations

• Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) – A valid EORI number is required for both the seller and buyer to be able to send/receive shipments.
• UK Tariff codes – All of your products have to be classified with tariff codes.
• Export/import licence or control – Certain products require additional licences or control measures, such as Health Certificates for products of animal origin (POAO).
• Customs Procedure Code (CPC) – CPCs are used to identify a customs procedure and the excise regimes for where goods are being removed from/entered into.
• Rules of origin – A check whether goods qualify as having a UK or EU origin.
• Customs duty – If products being bought or sold fail to qualify for either UK or EU preferential status. Preferential status makes goods subject to preferential/lower rates, where duty is applicable. Goods failing to qualify for preferential status would be subject to standard duty rates, where duty is applicable.