The Firstpoint team has got you covered!
To make sure your business operations run smoothly and to prevent delays in receiving goods, make sure you prepare carefully.
And to help keep things simple, we have created a smart, step-by-step guide to preparing your customs declaration for importing goods into the UK. Simply answer each question and follow the handy links, as required.
Remember you can also visit our FAQ page or call one of our dedicated account managers, who will be happy to help.
And to help keep things simple, we have created a smart, step-by-step guide to preparing your customs declaration for importing goods into the UK. Simply answer each question and follow the handy links, as required.
Remember you can also visit our FAQ page or call one of our dedicated account managers, who will be happy to help.
Your importer checklist
Have you got an EORI number (Economic Operators’ Registration Identification)? And does it begin with GB?
Have you got an EORI number (Economic Operators’ Registration Identification)? And does it begin with GB? All shipments MUST have this to trade from 1st January 2021.
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
Go to HMRC and get yours free now.
Have you completed and sent a signed letter of appointment to a direct customs agent? This is required otherwise your goods will not get customs cleared.
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
Here is a template to print & sign.
Do you know the Commodity Codes for the goods you’re Importing? Every consignment will need this for customs entry as the codes identify whether your Import is subject to any licensing, duty rates or VAT.
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
You can find your Commodity codes here on the HMRC’s trade tariff tool.
Do you know where the goods you are importing were originally manufactured? The origin of the goods may affect the payable duty and could mean extra documentation is required.
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
You can find out more information regarding this from the British Chambers of Commerce.
What is the reason for your import? Are the goods going into free circulation, sold outright or immediately being moved on again? CPC codes (Customs Procedure Code) will be required to identify this.
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
You can find out how to identify CPC codes here.
Are you planning to use facilitations to delay the payments of taxes, following this?
▼ NO ▼
► YES?
Find out more about facilitations here.
Have you a deferment account? This defers payment of any duties with a bank guarantee promising customs there are funds available. At Firstpoint we have a registered deferment account which is offered to our customers, please ask within.
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
You can find out more about a deferment account here
Have you registered for CFSP EIDR (Customs Freight Simplified Procedure)? This can only be used in certain circumstances, however it makes declaring goods to customs simpler and quicker.
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
You can find out more abouaYou can find out more about registered CFSP here (Please note: A deferment account is required to register)t a deferment account here.
You may need to determine who pays for the various processes of the import (freight, clearance costs, VAT, duty and much more) This is determined by Incoterms - Do you know the Incoterms of your export?
▼ YES ▼
► NO?
Find out more about the list of Inter-company terms here.
All imports will need a custom declaration such as a C88 import entry form. Firstpoint will happily process such declarations for you, please call with any requirements today!
Click here to see the information required and a sample of a C88 form.
Export checklist
Our step-by-step checklist to preparing your documentation ahead of Exporting your goods.
Find out more
Jargon buster
Still confused? We try to explain some of the common terms used when preparing for Import or Export.
Find out more
Blog
Don't forget to keep an eye out for the latest updates and information on our blog.
Find out more