How to make a customs declaration

Guidance on great.gov.uk

Check if you need to make a customs declaration

A customs declaration is a legal document that helps governments track the movement of goods across the world, making sure that the correct duties are paid, and shipments are safe and legal.

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To export goods from the UK to any country, including the EU, you need to make a customs declaration. It's essential you provide accurate information about your business and your shipment. For smaller businesses, it’s often simpler to pay someone to look after this process, such as freight forwarders, customs agents or international couriers.

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Get an EORI number

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier needed for customs clearance when importing and exporting goods from the UK and EU.

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Which type of EORI number you need and where you get it from depends on where you're moving goods to and from. You may need more than one. If you do not have the right EORI number, you may have delays at customs and increased costs, for example your goods may have to be stored until you get an EORI.

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Get the right commodity code

The Harmonised System (HS) of commodity codes is internationally recognised. Each unique code allows customs officials to identify the goods being traded and ensure the correct duties and tariffs are paid.

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Although many countries have signed up to the same classification system, only the first 6 digits are used worldwide, with product-specific decisions particular to each country. If you rely on the commodity code from an overseas supplier, you’ll need to check if the treatment is the same and how much of the code applies in the UK.

Guidance on GOV.UK

Understand the different types of declarations

There are several ways you can make an export declaration. The most common are a full declaration or a simplified declaration, both of which can be made electronically.

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There are some variations on these 2 declaration types which can be made under certain conditions. You may also be able to make an oral declaration by conduct, depending on your circumstances.

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Make a full declaration

You can use this online service to make or manage a declaration of goods being exported from Great Britain to a country outside the UK.

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You’ll need the Government Gateway user ID and password linked to your EORI number. If you do not have a Government Gateway user ID you can create one the first time you make a declaration.

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Make a simplified declaration

You can use this online service to make or manage a declaration of goods being exported from Great Britain to a country outside the UK.

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You’ll need the Government Gateway user ID and password linked to your EORI number. If you do not have a Government Gateway user ID you can create one the first time you make a declaration.

Guidance on GOV.UK

Make an oral declaration

An oral declaration can be made by passing through a red channel at a port or airport, and verbally telling a customs officer what the goods are, what the purpose of the goods is and who you’re making this declaration for.

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If you’re travelling on a ferry crossing, the ferry operator may ask you to confirm that you do not need a goods movement reference. If you are eligible to make your declaration orally, you will not need a goods movement reference for your journey. You may be asked to confirm this by agreeing with a written statement.

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Declaration by conduct

A declaration by conduct is when you transport your goods through a customs control point (usually a green channel marked ‘nothing to declare’) at a port or airport.

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You can declare goods you bring into the UK by conduct, if they are below your personal allowance limit and are for your own use or intended to be given as a gift. You do not need to stop or speak to a customs officer, you can simply walk or drive through a customs control point with the goods.

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Submit your declarations

You can use this online service to make or manage a declaration of goods being exported from Great Britain to a country outside the UK.

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You’ll need the Government Gateway user ID and password linked to your EORI number. If you do not have a Government Gateway user ID you can create one the first time you make a declaration.

Guidance on royalmail.com

Shipping with Royal Mail

Royal mail can ship to over 230 countries and territories with their worldwide network of delivery partners.

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Use Royal Mail’s country guides to find the information you need to send parcels and mail around the world. Check what you’re allowed to send with prohibited and restricted item guides and learn the best way to write the address for your destination. You can choose from a range of services based on price, security or speed.

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Merchandise in baggage

Merchandise in baggage are commercial goods you plan to sell and export by taking them in your baggage or in a small vehicle. As with all commercial goods, you must declare them in the usual way.

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To qualify for merchandise in baggage, the commercial goods must not be carried by a commercial transport operator. They must be transported in your baggage, or they are transported in a vehicle that can carry no more than 9 people and is 3.5 tonnes or less.