Export customs clearance in the UK
We prepare and submit export declarations for goods leaving Great Britain, and we handle shipments from Poland and the EU to the UK, with the UK import side filed in the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). As a UK-based customs agent registered for CDS with a UK EORI number, we check your invoice and goods data before filing and pass the declaration reference and status to you and the driver.
Export customs clearance quote
Tell us what you are exporting, from where and when. We will reply with the declarations needed, the documents to prepare and the next step.
What our export customs clearance service covers
- check_circleExport declarations for goods leaving Great Britain, submitted in CDS, including the combined safety and security and customs declaration for road exports to the EU.
- check_circleA check of the commodity code, invoice values and goods description before anything is filed.
- check_circleSupport with GMR and GVMS for ports that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service.
- check_circleExports from Poland and the EU to the UK: we arrange the Polish/EU side (export declaration in AES) and file the UK import declaration in CDS.
- check_circleENS (entry summary declarations) for goods arriving in Great Britain and T1/T2 transit where the goods move under transit.
- check_circleOrigin information for preferential duty, and the MRN and status passed to your team or the driver.
Who uses it
UK manufacturers, wholesalers and online sellers shipping abroad, Polish and EU exporters selling to UK customers, and hauliers who need the declaration reference before the vehicle reaches the port.
We act as your customs agent, through direct or indirect representation agreed in writing, not as the exporter or importer of record.
How export customs clearance from Great Britain works, step by step
The steps follow GOV.UK guidance on exporting goods from the UK and getting UK customs clearance when exporting. For more detail, see our export customs clearance procedure, step by step.
- 1Check the rules for your goods. Confirm restrictions and whether you need an export licence or certificate. Animals, plants, medicines, chemicals, firearms and dual-use items can need one.
- 2Get a GB EORI number. To export from England, Wales or Scotland you need an EORI number starting with GB (GOV.UK: EORI).
- 3Classify the goods. Each goods line needs a commodity code, which drives export controls and the duty paid on import.
- 4Prepare the invoice and origin evidence. Invoice at the selling price (or market value if there is no sale), with freight and insurance shown separately. If the destination country offers a lower preferential duty, prepare proof of origin.
- 5Give us written instructions. We agree in writing whether we act directly or indirectly, then check your documents against the shipment before filing.
- 6We submit the export declaration in CDS. For road exports to the EU this is a combined safety and security and customs declaration, made before the goods reach the departure port. It includes the vehicle registration, or the trailer or container number for unaccompanied loads. At ports that use GVMS, the declaration reference goes into the haulier's goods movement reference (GMR) (GOV.UK: RoRo ports and the Channel Tunnel).
- 7Keep proof of export and records. Zero-rating VAT (0%) needs evidence of export, such as a CDS export declaration with a departure confirmation, plus commercial transport documents (HMRC VAT Notice 703). Keep invoices and customs documents. Your buyer still has to declare the import in their own country.
Exports from Poland and the EU to the UK
If you ship from Poland or another EU country to a customer in Great Britain, you need two customs declarations, one on each side of the border. We handle both in one case, together with our customs broker service between the UK and Poland.
EU side: export
- check_circleExport declaration in the Automated Export System (AES). In Poland it is lodged through PUESC and gets an MRN.
- check_circleAfter the goods leave the EU, an exit confirmation message is issued (IE599, in AES PLUS CC599C). It is the evidence for the 0% VAT rate on the export.
UK side: arrival and import
- check_circleThe carrier must make an entry summary declaration (ENS) through Safety and Security GB before the goods arrive. A third party such as an agent can make it for them (GOV.UK: ENS).
- check_circleImport declaration in CDS with commodity code and customs value, the basis for duty and import VAT (GOV.UK: importing).
- check_circleA GMR for ports that use GVMS, or a T1 transit movement where the goods travel under transit.
More on the UK side: UK customs clearance.
What documents and data to prepare
- task_altYour EORI number (GB for exports from Great Britain) and the buyer's details.
- task_altA commercial invoice with a full goods description, values and delivery terms.
- task_altA packing list: number of packages, gross and net weights per line.
- task_altCommodity codes and the country of origin, plus proof of origin where preference applies.
- task_altTransport details: haulier, vehicle registration or trailer/container number, departure port and date. A CMR for road transport.
- task_altExport licences or certificates for controlled goods.
Is a packing list required?
Carriers and the customs authorities of the importing country commonly ask for a packing list. It also helps the export declaration match the goods actually loaded: weights, package counts and descriptions must agree across the invoice, packing list and declaration, and mismatches are a common reason for holds.
How long does export customs clearance take?
There is no fixed time. It depends on how complete and consistent your data is, and on the route HMRC assigns after the declaration is submitted. Some routes give permission to proceed to the port, while others need a documentary check or an inspection first. Complete documents before loading reduce the risk of delay.
Cost of export customs clearance
The cost depends on how many declarations and goods lines the shipment needs, whether you need both the EU export and the UK import side, whether the goods need licences or certificates, and how urgent the case is. Current rates are on our price list.
Related services
- arrow_forwardUK customs clearance
- arrow_forwardCustoms broker for the UK and Poland
- arrow_forwardGMR and GVMS
- arrow_forwardENS / safety and security declarations
- arrow_forwardT1 transit to the UK
Export customs clearance FAQ
What is export customs clearance?
It is declaring goods to customs before they leave the country and getting permission for them to depart. In the UK the export declaration is made in the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
How long does export customs clearance take?
There is no fixed time. It depends on whether your data is complete and consistent and on the route HMRC assigns: some declarations get permission to proceed, others need a documentary check or inspection first.
Is a packing list required for export customs clearance?
Carriers and the importing country commonly ask for one. It also helps the export declaration match the goods actually loaded, as weights, package counts and descriptions must agree with the invoice.
Who makes the export declaration in the UK?
The exporter can make it with compatible software, or appoint a customs agent. The agent must be established in the UK for customs and needs your written instructions stating direct or indirect representation. You stay responsible for due diligence on the declaration (GOV.UK).
Do I need a declaration in both countries when exporting from Poland to the UK?
Yes. The goods leave the EU on an export declaration in AES, which gets an MRN, and the exit confirmation is the evidence for 0% VAT. On arrival in Great Britain an ENS and a UK import declaration in CDS are needed. We arrange the Polish/EU side and file the UK side in one case.
Can I zero-rate VAT on goods exported from the UK?
Yes, if the goods are exported and you hold evidence of export, as set out in HMRC VAT Notice 703. Official evidence is a CDS export declaration with a departure confirmation, supported by commercial transport documents. Without that evidence, UK VAT is due.
Need export customs clearance?
Send the shipment details or call us. If the documents are not complete yet, we will tell you what to fix before the goods are loaded.