Import declarations in CDS
Customs clearance of goods arriving in Great Britain: commodity code, customs value, origin and any preferential duty claim checked before we submit the import declaration.
UK customs desk · import · export · CDS
UK customs clearance and CDS declarations for businesses
We submit your import and export declarations in the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for you, so you do not need your own customs software. The service is for importers, exporters, freight forwarders and hauliers moving goods between the UK, Poland and the EU. You get one Polish- and English-speaking team that checks your data, files the declaration on your written instructions and gives the driver the references needed at the border.
UK-based customs agent registered for CDS with a UK EORI number. We act as your customs agent, not as importer of record.
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Send your shipment details
Route, goods and date are enough to start. We reply with the procedure that applies and a list of anything missing.
What the service covers
UK customs clearance services we handle for you
One case can include several of the steps below. We tell you which ones your route and goods actually need.
Export declarations in CDS
Customs clearance UK export: the export declaration for goods leaving Great Britain, with the Polish/EU import side arranged in the same case. See also export customs clearance.
ENS via S&S GB
Entry summary declarations filed for the carrier through the Safety and Security GB service before the goods arrive.
GMR / GVMS
Goods movement references for crossings through GVMS ports, linked to the correct declaration references for the vehicle.
T1 transit
Transit declarations (NCTS) when goods travel under customs supervision and are cleared at destination.
Postponed VAT accounting instructions
If you are VAT-registered in the UK and tell us in writing that you want postponed VAT accounting, we declare it so import VAT is accounted for on your VAT return.
Customs declaration service
CDS declarations without your own software
Customs declarations in the UK are made in HMRC's Customs Declaration Service (CDS). You have two options: submit them yourself using software that works with CDS, or appoint a customs agent to submit them for you.
An agent must be established in the UK for customs and cannot act without your written instructions. The instruction states whether the agent represents you directly or indirectly. Even with an agent, you remain responsible for due diligence on your customs declarations, so the data you give us needs to be accurate.
As your UK customs broker, we file CDS import declarations and export declarations on that basis. If you want the background first, read Customs Declaration Service (CDS) explained.
Process
How UK customs clearance works, step by step
- Send the case. Use the form, phone or WhatsApp: direction, goods, route and planned crossing date.
- We confirm the procedure. Import or export declaration, ENS, GMR, T1 transit, or a combination, plus a list of missing data.
- You give written instructions. They state direct or indirect representation and, for imports, whether you use postponed VAT accounting.
- We check the data. Commodity code (it sets the duty rate and any licence requirement), customs value (the basis for duty and import VAT), origin and certificates.
- We submit the declaration in CDS. Where needed, we also file the ENS through S&S GB or the transit declaration and pass the references to the haulier for the GMR.
- HMRC decides. The goods are released, or HMRC asks for documents or a check. We handle the follow-up with you.
- You keep the records. You receive the declaration details; keep them with your invoices and customs documents.
Documents
What documents and data to prepare
- check_circleAn EORI number starting with GB. A business not established in the UK may still need one, for example for transit or an ENS.
- check_circleCommercial invoice with the sale price (or market value), currency and the parties; freight and insurance shown separately where they apply.
- check_circlePacking list: number of packages, gross and net weight.
- check_circleCommodity codes, or a clear description of the goods so the code can be confirmed.
- check_circleProof of origin if you want a lower duty rate under a trade agreement.
- check_circleLicences or certificates for controlled goods, such as animals and animal products, plants, high-risk food, medicines, waste or F-gas (gov.uk import guidance).
- check_circleUK VAT number and your written choice on postponed VAT accounting, if you use it.
- check_circleTransport details: vehicle and trailer registration, crossing and expected arrival.
Cost
What UK customs clearance costs depends on
Our fee depends on the number of declarations and item lines, whether the goods need licences or certificates, whether an ENS, GMR or transit declaration is part of the case, and how urgent it is. Import duty and import VAT are separate: they are charges calculated on the customs value, not our fee. Current service rates are on the price list.
Related services
Already know which procedure you need?
ENS / S&S GB
Entry summary declaration before the goods arrive in Great Britain.
GMR / GVMS
For ferry and tunnel crossings that need a goods movement reference.
T1 transit
When goods continue under customs supervision to their destination.
Import from the UK
For consignees in Poland and the EU receiving goods from Great Britain.
Export to the UK
For shipments from Poland to Great Britain, sorted before loading.
Price list
Service rates for declarations and related procedures.
FAQ
UK customs clearance: frequently asked questions
How long does customs clearance take in the UK?
There is no fixed time. It depends on whether the data is complete and correct before the goods arrive, whether the goods need licences or certificates, and whether HMRC selects the declaration for a document check or physical inspection. Preparing the commodity code, value and origin in advance removes most avoidable delays, but we do not promise a clearance time that HMRC controls.
How much does UK customs clearance cost?
Our fee depends on the number of declarations and item lines, any licences or certificates, extra steps such as ENS, GMR or transit, and urgency. Import duty and import VAT are separate charges based on the customs value. Current service rates are on our price list.
Do I need my own software to make CDS declarations?
No. Customs declarations in the UK go through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), and you can either submit them yourself with compatible software or appoint a customs agent established in the UK. When we act for you, we submit your import and export declarations in CDS on your written instructions.
Do I need a GB EORI number?
A business importing goods into Great Britain or exporting from it needs an EORI number starting with GB. A business not established in the UK may still need a GB EORI, for example for transit or an entry summary declaration.
Do you handle customs clearance for UK exports?
Yes. We submit the export declaration in CDS based on your invoice and commodity code, and arrange the Polish/EU side in the same case so the consignee can clear the import. VAT on exported goods can be zero-rated when you hold evidence of the export.
Can I use postponed VAT accounting if you clear my goods?
Yes, if you are VAT-registered in the UK. You do not need HMRC approval, but you must tell us in writing that you want to use postponed VAT accounting. Otherwise import VAT is paid at import and reclaimed using the C79 certificate.
Are you the importer of record?
No. We act as your customs agent under direct or indirect representation agreed in writing. You remain the importer or exporter and keep responsibility for due diligence on your declarations.
Need a customs declaration submitted in CDS?
Send the route, goods and date. If the driver is already on the road, call or message us instead of waiting for email.
This page gives operational information about customs procedures and is not legal or tax advice. Sources: GOV.UK guidance linked above.