Imports FAQ's
Q. What information is needed for ChannelPorts to complete import declarations on my behalf?
A. The following information is required for a standard import where you are paying all the applicable charges to Customs.
A copy of the suppliers invoice showing the packages, weights and value of the consignments. Terms of sale. The commodity code(s) if you know them. Your VAT number
If you have your own deferment account with Customs we will need authority to use it and if we are going to be completing documents on a regular basis a C1207N should be completed.
If you do not have a deferment we can arrange to pay the charges to Customs, but will need payment in advance of clearance.
Vehicle number.
Q. How do we pay Customs any charges due on a consignment if we do not have a deferment account?
A. If you do not have a deferment account we can calculate the charges due and send you a pro-forma invoice giving details of the charges due. On the pro-forma invoice will be our bank details so that you can transfer the funds before the vehicle arrives to ensure the vehicle and your consignments are not delayed on arrival.
Q. What if we want to pay Customs and VAT or duties direct?
A. This can be arranged, but it is not recommended. If you would like more information click on this link and it will take you to a step by step guide on the details that will be needed, along with Customs bank account details.
Q. How do we set up a deferment account with Customs?
A. To obtain your own deferment account involves setting up guarantees between your bank and Customs. The Customs forms that you will need to complete are C1200, C1201 and C1202 link?
Q. What can we do if we have, or are going to, exceed our deferment account limits?
A. You basically have three options , which are
i) Arrange with Customs to increase your limit
ii) Pay Customs direct via the use of your agents FAS account.
iii) Arrange to pay us the charges and we will use our deferment.
Before deciding on which is the best option we would recommend you speak to us to discuss which option would be best suited for your circumstances.
Q. Can we still import a commercial consignment without being registered for VAT?
A. Yes, but if you are a company or a private individual you will need to apply to Customs for a Pseudo Turn number.
Q. How do I apply for a Pseudo TURN number?
A. Click on the following link to download the Customs form and guidance notes. If you need any advice on completion of the form please contact us and we will be happy to help you - Click here.
Q. What information do we need to provide to claim relief from payment of Customs charges on goods being returned to the UK which we have previously exported?
A. The best proof is a copy of the export declaration / NES, other evidence such as a certificate of shipment or commercial invoice may be acceptable to Customs. Please note that depending on when the goods were exported, and how they were exported, you may still have to pay the VAT on re-importation
Q. If we are importing goods from outside of the EU, which are to be repaired or processed and then returned to the exporter, what documentation is required for Customs?
A If you are authorised for Inward Processing Relief (IPR) then all we need is your IPR authorisation number along with the address of your controlling Customs office.
If you are not authorised for IPR then basically we will need to know what is happening with the goods and how long the goods will be in the UK. We recommend that when the goods are re-exported your invoices clearly state the goods are to be exported under IPR, and that you give written instructions to the carrier that the goods are under IPR control if the goods are not exported correctly Customs could demand payment of the VAT and duties.
Unless you are using the IPR Drawback scheme then no Customs charges are payable at the time of import.
Q. We are importing a consignment from outside the EU to be exhibited in the UK and then returned to the supplier?
A. If the goods are not subject to duty as they are accompanied by a preference certificate, or are duty free, we would recommend that you pay the VAT and reclaim it back through your Periodic VAT returns.
If duty is payable you will need to pay the VAT and duty at the time of arrival and then reclaim it back at the time of export, unless you have an authorisation issued by the National Import Relief Unit.
If you pay the VAT and duty you must ensure the goods are re-exported in exact accordance with the Customs regulations, otherwise you will not be able to reclaim the charges paid.
Q. What documents do you need to import a motor vehicle?
A. i) If the vehicle is imported from another EU member state then you should contact your local DVLA office for advice.
ii) If the vehicle is imported from outside of the EU and you have just purchased the vehicle, you will need to pay VAT and any duty due. The amount of duty will be dependant on the origin of the vehicle and any preference certificates provided. If you are a VAT registered trader then you will also need to complete a C&E389.
ii) If you are moving your home to the UK from outside the EU then you will need to complete a C104A. Providing you meet certain criteria then you will not have to pay any VAT or duty.
Q. What documents do I need to complete if I am moving to the UK?
A. i) If you are moving to the UK from another member of the EU then you do not need any Customs documents.
ii) If you are moving from outside the EU to the UK then you will need to complete a form C3.
Q. What documents do I need to complete for some possessions I have inherited?
A If you have inherited some possessions you will need to complete a form C1421. We will also need a copy of the deceased persons will and testament, which should be in English and certified by the executor of the deceased estate.
Q. Where do we have to report for clearance?
A. If you are clearing in Dover you need to report to the Freight Clearance Facility at the Western Docks.
If you are clearing in Folkestone then you need to report to the service entrance of the Channel Tunnel on the A20.
Click here and it will take you to a map giving directions.
Q. What do we do if the driver failed to report for clearance at the time of arrival?
A. You should arrange to send all of the original documents to us with a letter of explanation as to why the driver failed to report to Customs. We will arrange to present them to Customs as a voluntary declaration.
If the driver presents you with a TIR CARNET please contact us before you offload the vehicle - DO NOT BREAK THE SEAL ON THE VEHICLE!
Q. Are there any special restrictions for the importation of food?
A. Yes. Depending on the nature of the goods a health certificate will be required and also the local Port Health Officials or DEFRA may need to be informed as they may wish to inspect the goods.