Import Custom Clearance
We fully understand the importance of completing accurate and timely declarations to customs on behalf of our customers. It is becoming more and more apparent that customs audits can occur as long as 4 years after an import declaration has been made in the UK. Misdeclarations of import duty or VAT uncovered by an audit will result in customs issuing a demand to the importer for the difference. We understand that importers can ill afford to be hit by post clearance demands like this and we work with our customers to ensure our declarations are completed correctly first time!
Direct computer links to customs and all major UK ports ensure that customs formalities are finalised within hours of a vessel coming alongside – an absolute must when it comes to the hazardous and explosive cargoes we regularly handle.
In fact, in the case of containerised cargo, modern vessels are so large that our customers’ cargo is often customs cleared before it’s physically discharged from the vessel.
We recognise that quay rent and container demurrage charges levied by shipping lines can be astronomical and our swift customs clearance service helps our customers avoid/minimise these charges that could potentially have a heavy impact on their bottom line. Strangely, speedy customs clearance is not always to our customers’ benefit. As specialists in the fruit and vegetable sector we understand that duty rates change with alarming regularity as the season progresses. Waiting just a few days to submit a customs entry can result in £1000’s saved in import duty.
Crucially, we have a very substantial customs deferment account which guarantees import duty and VAT paid to HMRC on our customers’ behalf. Please contact us for further details. We also liaise with the numerous government departments / agencies / bodies that may want to inspect your cargo on arrival into the UK including Port Health, DEFRA (HMI, PHSI and Forestry Commission), Customs (X-Ray exams and full out turns), Trading Standards and the UK Border Force.
We hope this gives you a flavour of the complexities involved in clearing import cargo correctly. We tailor our customs clearance services to your needs and our knowledge is backed by decades of industry experience.
Export Customs Clearance (NES – New Export System)
The New Export System was implemented at all UK maritime ports in 2002 and Grange Shipping has been at the forefront making export declarations through this system ever since. We are contracted by individuals, corporations, forwarders and major shipping lines to complete NES entries on their behalf or on behalf of their customers and we specialise in entries for hazardous and explosive cargoes.
The importance of accurate and timely export entries cannot be underestimated. Failure to complete an export entry in time can result in cargo left on quay unshipped, which can in turn result in unnecessary storage charges and delays. As members of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers we are able to authenticate correctly completed EUR1 and ATR1 preference certificates. Please contact us for details.
We are also authorised by HMRC to authenticate T2L documents, again, please contact us for further information.