Goods Held by HMRC — How to Release Your Shipment Step by Step

Routing 6 in CDS — What It Means and What to Do

Routing 6 (formerly Route 6, referred to in CDS as "documentary control" or "physical examination") is a status assigned by HMRC that directs a shipment to additional examination before release. This is not a penalty or a suspicion of smuggling — HMRC applies routing 6 routinely to a certain percentage of consignments, goods with a higher risk profile, or entries with missing documentation. However, failing to respond to routing 6 means the goods will not be released and port storage costs continue to accumulate.

What Routing 6 Is and What Documents HMRC May Request

Routing 6 means the import or export customs declaration has passed through CDS and has not received automatic release (Route 1 — immediate release). Instead, HMRC directs it to a customs officer who may request: the original commercial invoice and packing list, an import or export licence (if the goods require one), a phytosanitary or veterinary certificate (for plant and animal products), a T1 transit document if the goods travelled under transit, and proof of duty payment or a customs guarantee.

The HMRC officer may also order a physical examination — opening the container or lorry and checking the load against the declaration. Physical inspection time: from 2 hours to 2 working days depending on the type of goods and the availability of port inspectors.

How a Customs Broker Handles Routing 6 on Your Behalf

Easy Clearance monitors declaration status in CDS and responds immediately when routing 6 appears. On your behalf we: compile the required documentation, contact the HMRC officer through CDS systems or directly via the dedicated verification channel, supply missing documents electronically within one hour of the query, and co-ordinate the logistics of physical inspection if required (booking a slot with the port or warehousing facility).

If the goods require a licence that is not in place, we inform you immediately and identify the route to obtaining the authorisation or an alternative (such as returning the goods to the exporter). We never leave you without information: at every stage you know where the goods are and what the next steps are. Check the current examination procedure: gov.uk/guidance/customs-examination-of-goods.

Storage Costs During Routing 6 — How to Minimise Them

Goods held under routing 6 typically remain in the port zone or a customs freight station (CFS). Each day generates storage charges which at UK ports range from tens to hundreds of pounds per day depending on the size and type of the load. Swift action by the customs broker and delivering documents within the first few hours minimises these costs.

If physical inspection is scheduled for the next working day, notify your customs broker in the evening — we can prepare a complete document pack in advance so the HMRC inspector has everything ready in the morning. This shortens inspection time and reduces the risk of additional queries. More on clearance statuses: Clearance Statuses: Route 1, 2, 6 — What They Mean.

B2 Notice and Detain Notice — Two Different Situations

A B2 notice and a detain notice are two distinct legal instruments used by HMRC and Border Force, with different legal implications and different routes for releasing the goods. Confusing them leads to following the wrong procedure — which wastes time and can worsen the situation. Below we explain the difference and the action protocol for each.

B2 Notice — Documentary Examination After Crossing the Border

A B2 notice (Form B2) is an HMRC document issued when goods have crossed the UK border but the customs officer has doubts about whether the customs declaration matches reality. The most common reasons: customs value declared below market prices, goods description inconsistent with the HS code, missing or mismatched serial numbers for controlled goods (such as electronics or vehicles), suspected underpaid import VAT.

With a B2 notice HMRC sets a deadline for submitting additional documents — typically 5 to 30 working days. Missing the deadline results in a seizure order or HMRC assessing duty and VAT based on their own estimate, which is usually higher than the actual value. Easy Clearance represents the importer in B2 proceedings: submits explanations, provides documents, and if necessary challenges HMRC's assessment. Legal basis: Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA 1979) — verify the current state of legislation.

Detain Notice — Formal Detention on Suspicion of a Breach

A detain notice is a formal document used by HMRC or Border Force to detain goods when there is reasonable suspicion of a customs law violation: smuggling, deliberate under-valuation of customs value, goods subject to an import or export prohibition (dual-use without a licence, goods on the sanctions list). A detain notice gives HMRC the right to hold the goods for the duration of an investigation — with no time limit for serious breaches.

When a detain notice is issued, immediate legal assistance and/or a customs broker experienced in contentious proceedings is essential. Easy Clearance works with law firms specialising in UK customs law and can co-ordinate the response on your behalf. This article reflects the legal position as at 2026-04-18. Contact a customs broker before taking action.

Documents Needed to Release Held Goods — Complete Checklist

The speed of releasing HMRC-held goods depends mainly on the completeness of documentation supplied in response to the customs officer's query. The checklist below covers the documents required in the most common detention scenarios — having them ready in advance can cut the time of proceedings by a significant margin.

Commercial and Transport Documents — Mandatory

A complete set of commercial and transport documents: the original commercial invoice — with the full value of goods, currency, payment terms (Incoterms), goods description, and HS code; packing list with a detailed breakdown of consignment contents, weights, and dimensions; CMR (road consignment note) with vehicle registration numbers and dates of collection and delivery; B/L (bill of lading) for sea freight; proof of payment for the goods (e.g. bank transfer confirmation or LC) — HMRC may request this if customs value under-declaration is suspected.

If any of these documents is missing or incomplete, HMRC will extend the proceedings. Easy Clearance checks the completeness of documentation before submitting it to HMRC — to avoid going back to the supplier twice.

Certificates and Licences — for Controlled Goods

For goods requiring special documents: phytosanitary certificate of conformity (for plant products from countries outside the UK) — required by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on entry to the UK through designated Border Control Posts; Export Health Certificate (EHC) for animal products; import licence for steel, aluminium, and goods subject to UK trade defence measures; export licence for dual-use goods — check the current control lists at: gov.uk/guidance/customs-examination-of-goods.

A missing required certificate or licence at routing 6 or B2 notice stage typically results in refusal to release the goods. In that case the importer may choose: return of goods to the exporter (re-export), destruction of goods under customs supervision, or application for a retroactive licence (possible in limited circumstances). Easy Clearance advises on the fastest route out of the situation.

Financial Penalties — When They Arise and How to Limit Their Amount

HMRC may impose a civil penalty for errors in a customs declaration or procedural breaches under current legislation. Check current penalty levels: gov.uk/guidance/pay-a-civil-penalty-for-customs-offences. The penalty amount depends on: the type of violation (inadvertent error vs deliberate act), the customs value of the goods, and the importer's history of violations.

HMRC has a voluntary disclosure procedure — proactively admitting an error and submitting a corrected declaration before HMRC opens an investigation typically results in a significant reduction of the penalty. Easy Clearance can submit a voluntary disclosure on your behalf and minimise the financial consequences. Act as quickly as possible — every day of delay reduces the chance of a favourable outcome.

What the current rules say

Goods held by HMRC is a stressful situation, but with swift action from a customs broker it is resolvable. The key is to distinguish between routing 6 (examination before clearance), B2 notice (examination after crossing the border), and a detain notice (formal detention) — each scenario requires a different procedure. Easy Clearance responds immediately, compiles documentation, and represents the importer in dealings with HMRC. Call: +44 7404 091503, WhatsApp: +44 7404 091503. This article reflects the legal position as at 2026-04-18. Contact a customs broker before taking action.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

What does routing 6 mean in the HMRC system?

Routing 6 means that an import or export customs declaration has been directed to additional examination by an HMRC officer — documentary or physical. It is not an automatic penalty or suspicion of a violation. HMRC applies routing 6 routinely to consignments with a higher risk profile or missing documentation. Goods will not be released until the examination is complete.

What is a B2 notice and how do you respond to one?

A B2 notice is an HMRC document issued when goods have crossed the UK border but the customs officer has doubts about the customs value, goods description, or compliance with the declaration. HMRC sets a deadline for submitting additional documents (typically 5–30 working days). Contact a customs broker immediately on receipt of a B2 notice — compiling documentation with a broker is significantly faster than acting alone.

What is the difference between a B2 notice and a detain notice?

A B2 notice is a request for explanations and documents — the goods may still be in transit or in a standard warehouse. A detain notice is a formal detention of goods by HMRC or Border Force on suspicion of a customs law violation. A detain notice requires an immediate response from a customs broker and usually legal advice too.

How long can HMRC hold goods?

Under routing 6 a documentary examination typically takes 1–5 working days, a physical examination up to 2 days. Under a B2 notice proceedings can last from a few weeks to several months. Under a detain notice where a serious breach is suspected — there is no time limit for the duration of the investigation. The faster you supply the required documentation, the faster the goods will be released.

What penalties can HMRC impose for irregularities?

HMRC may impose a civil penalty for errors in a customs declaration — the amount depends on the type of violation and the value of the goods. Voluntary disclosure before HMRC opens an investigation typically significantly reduces the penalty. Check current penalty rates: gov.uk/guidance/pay-a-civil-penalty-for-customs-offences.

What to do if HMRC refuses to release goods due to a missing licence?

With a missing import or export licence you have three options: (1) obtaining a retroactive licence — possible in limited circumstances; (2) re-export of the goods — return to the sender or export to another country; (3) destruction of the goods under customs supervision. Easy Clearance advises on the fastest route out and represents the importer in dealings with HMRC.

Official sources

• Customs examination of goods — HMRC — GOV.UK
• Pay a civil penalty for customs offences — GOV.UK
• Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 — legislation.gov.uk
• UK Trade Tariff — HMRC