Transcript for Episode 9 - How to make a UK customs declaration
A customs declaration allows you to ship goods from the UK to anywhere in the world. It’s required for all countries, including the EU. It’s a legal document that helps governments track goods, pay duties, and ensures shipments are both safe and legal.
It’s essential to get these forms right. Otherwise they can cause delays to your shipment. But they also act as proof that you’ve sent goods overseas, which you'll need if you’re claiming back any excise duties in the UK.
It’s often be simpler to pay someone to help, such as a freight forwarder, customs agent or international courier. Completed customs declarations can be part of the service. All the details are taken care of and the cost is worked into the overall contract.
Most customs declarations are submitted electronically via the National Export System, or NES. If you do this yourself, register via gov.uk, where you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you.
Even if you use an agent or freight forwarder, you’ll need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which you can apply for on gov.uk.
It’s essential to get these forms right. Otherwise they can cause delays to your shipment. But they also act as proof that you’ve sent goods overseas, which you'll need if you’re claiming back any excise duties in the UK.
It’s often be simpler to pay someone to help, such as a freight forwarder, customs agent or international courier. Completed customs declarations can be part of the service. All the details are taken care of and the cost is worked into the overall contract.
Most customs declarations are submitted electronically via the National Export System, or NES. If you do this yourself, register via gov.uk, where you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you.
Even if you use an agent or freight forwarder, you’ll need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which you can apply for on gov.uk.
Accelerate your learning
Sign up to Great.gov.uk and you'll be able to:
- track your learning progress and read case studies
- join live events from the UK Export Academy
- compare markets using live export data
Already signed up? Sign in
