Customs & Cross-Border Tax Services & Support

Customs services are essential if you import goods into the UK. Import VAT, customs duty and excise duty must be declared correctly to HMRC. Errors can delay goods, disrupt your supply chain and increase costs.

We support overseas-owned businesses importing into the UK. From EORI registration to ongoing import compliance, you have one team coordinating your customs position.

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Back to Tax

3000+

companies helped successfully scale to the UK

25+

years of experience

52

employees all under one roof

CIMA & ACA

approved

What can we help you with?

Customs Advisory

Customs is not only about clearing goods at the border. Your import structure, Incoterms and supply chain design all affect duty exposure and cash flow.

Our customs advisory support includes:

Reviewing your UK import model
Advising on import VAT and customs duty exposure
Guidance on excise duty where applicable
Reviewing Incoterms such as DDP and DAP
Advising on available reliefs and free trade agreements
Coordinating with specialist customs partners on commodity codes
Supporting customs health checks

We help you decide how goods should enter the UK and how import VAT will be accounted for. Early advice reduces the risk of overpaying duty or triggering compliance checks. Related UK tax matters are also covered under our Tax services.

Customs Support for Overseas-Owned UK Companies

International supply chains create customs complexity. Transfer pricing, intercompany sales, drop shipments and mixed Incoterms all affect import VAT and duty.

We regularly support:

Overseas-owned UK subsidiaries importing goods
Ecommerce businesses shipping into the UK
UK entities buying from related overseas group companies
Businesses restructuring their supply chain post-Brexit

Our customs services align your import procedures with your VAT reporting and wider tax compliance. You avoid silos between customs, VAT and finance.

Returns and Submissions

Import VAT and customs duty must be declared accurately through customs entries and accounting records. Incorrect reporting can lead to assessments, penalties or delays in reclaiming VAT.

We support with:

Monitoring import entries and customs declarations
Reviewing deferment statements
Ensuring import VAT is correctly accounted for
Advising on postponed VAT accounting
Reconciling customs data to finance records
Maintaining compliant import documentation

Where excise duty applies, we coordinate reporting and payment requirements.

We work alongside your freight forwarders and customs brokers to confirm declarations reflect your commercial reality. This keeps your customs compliance aligned with your VAT and accounting records.

HMRC Customs Inspections

HMRC can carry out customs compliance checks or post-clearance audits. These reviews often focus on commodity codes, valuation, origin of goods and use of reliefs.

We support with:

Managing HMRC correspondence
Reviewing historic import declarations
Preparing documentation for inspection
Hosting HMRC officers onsite if required
Liaising with specialist customs partners

You have a single point of contact who understands your import model and tax position. That keeps communication structured and limits operational disruption.

Registration, Deregistration EORI and Duty Deferment Accounts

To import goods into the UK, your business must hold the correct customs registrations.

We manage:

EORI registration with HM Revenue & Customs
VAT-linked EORI setup
Duty Deferment Account (DDA) applications
Deferment guarantees where required
Agent authorisations and customs access

An EORI number is mandatory for customs declarations. A Duty Deferment Account allows you to delay payment of customs duty and import VAT, which supports cash flow.

If your import activity ceases, we assist with:

Closing or cancelling your Duty Deferment Account
Reviewing final deferment statements
Confirming customs records are complete
Supporting EORI deregistration where appropriate

This closes your customs obligations properly and avoids ongoing liabilities.

How our Corporation Tax services work

This structured approach keeps your corporation tax position clear, compliant and aligned with your business objectives.

We review your supply chain, Incoterms and import flows.

We complete EORI and Duty Deferment Account setup.

We oversee import VAT, customs duty and deferment statements.

We manage HMRC correspondence and ongoing compliance.

How our Corporation Tax services work

This structured approach keeps your corporation tax position clear, compliant and aligned with your business objectives.

Meet our Head of Finance

Dom Morris

As our Head of Finance, Dom’s role is to oversee the teams that manage the delivery of fully compliant financial processes for our clients, as well as for advising them on the decisions that will help drive their businesses forward. He is responsible for the Finance teams across both the London and Warwick offices.

What Our Clients Say

Trusted by businesses from all around the world for expert company incorporation services

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We have worked with Goodwille since starting up our UK branch and have nothing but great things to say about the collaboration. The team is always on top regarding delivery and helpfulness and every interaction is smooth and professional. We highly recommend Goodwille!

-EA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We have been working with Goodwille for the past 3 years, only amazing experiences. They help startups and scaleups that we bring from Nordic countries with their expansion to the UK market. All experts working at Goodwille have a great understanding of advising companies in their market-entry, helping them with every step along the way. We would recommend their services to anyone who needs a trusted partner in the UK market.

-ED

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nothing is too much trouble, Goodwille are our local UK Finance, HR and Administrative function enabling us to focus on doing our day jobs. We have a great relationship, but it is unobtrusive: we engage when needed, otherwise things just tick over. I have had direct engagement for the last two years as local GM. My organisation used them for at least a year prior to that.

-L

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We have worked with Goodwille for over a year and they have assisted us in our UK launch. They are a valued and trusted partner with a can-do attitude and I would recommend them to any company looking to establish a company the UK market. As well as assisting with local issues Goodwille have excellent structures in place and work seamlessly with our Swedish head office.

-SH

Customs Success Stories

See how we’ve helped businesses with their corporation tax in the UK.

Guiding Newbie through UK customs processes

Born in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2010 as a family member of the Kappahl Group, Newbie has quickly grown thanks to our community of ‘Newbie Lovers’: mums, dads, grandparents and friends who have helped to shape who we they today and to spread the Newbie word far and wide.

Seamless UK Customs Compliance for Swedish Retailer Najell

Najell is founded and based in Lund in the south of Sweden, by couple Niklas and Freja. Timeless baby essentials designed for modern parenthood. Thoughtfully made for comfort, freedom, and everyday life, from pregnancy to toddler.

Need help with your Customs?

Speak to a specialist today. Get immediate answers to your customs questions and find out how we can help you get trading quickly.

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Customs FAQ’s

What information does customs need in the UK?

When importing or exporting goods in the UK, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) requires specific information to process customs declarations and calculate duties, VAT, and excise taxes.

Essential information includes:

EORI number – Required for all importers and exporters.
Description of goods – Accurate details of each item.
Commodity code – Determines the applicable customs duty rate under the UK Global Tariff.
Value of goods – Invoice price plus shipping and insurance costs.
Country of origin – Needed for trade agreements and preferential tariffs.
Transport details – Mode of transport, carrier, and dates of shipment.
Supporting documents – Commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and any required licenses.

Providing accurate and complete information helps avoid delays, penalties, and incorrect duty or VAT charges, which is particularly important for foreign-owned companies importing into the UK.

How do you submit a customs declaration in the UK?

To import or export goods in the UK, businesses must submit a customs declaration to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), detailing the goods, their value, and origin. This ensures correct calculation of customs duty, import VAT, and excise duties.

Steps to submit:

Obtain an EORI number – Required for all UK importers/exporters.
Classify goods using commodity codes – Determines duty rates under the UK Global Tariff.
Prepare a customs declaration – Can be submitted via the HMRC Customs Declaration Service (CDS) or using a licensed customs agent.
Include supporting documents – Invoices, transport documents, and any certificates of origin.
Pay duties and VAT – Ensure timely payment to avoid delays or penalties.

Foreign-owned companies can use customs agents or freight forwarders to manage declarations efficiently and stay compliant.

What happens if customs duty is not paid in the UK?

If customs duty is not paid, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can take enforcement action, which may include delays, penalties, and interest on unpaid amounts.

Key consequences include:

Goods may be held at the border until duty and Import VAT are paid.
Financial penalties can be applied, ranging from fixed fines to percentage-based charges depending on the severity and whether non-payment is deliberate.
Interest accrues on any unpaid duties.
Repeated or serious non-compliance can result in legal action or seizure of goods.

Foreign-owned companies importing into the UK must ensure timely payment and accurate customs declarations to avoid operational disruption and extra costs.

Is import VAT the same as customs duty in the UK?

No, Import VAT and customs duty are different charges applied by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on goods imported into the UK.

Customs Duty – A tax on goods based on their commodity code, value, and origin under UK Global Tariff rules. It is calculated as a percentage of the customs value.
Import VAT – Charged at the standard 20% rate (or reduced/zero rates where applicable) on the total of goods value, customs duty, and shipping costs. It functions like UK VAT on domestic purchases.

Both must usually be paid before goods are released from UK customs. Companies importing goods, including foreign-owned businesses, must include both in their customs declarations and maintain accurate records to avoid penalties.

How are customs charges calculated in the UK?

Customs charges in the UK are calculated based on the type, value, and origin of imported goods. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) applies Customs Duty, Import VAT, and any excise duties where applicable.

Key steps in calculation:

Determine the customs value – Usually the price paid for the goods plus shipping and insurance.
Apply the correct tariff rate – Duties depend on the commodity code and origin country under UK Global Tariff rules.
Add Import VAT – Charged at 20% standard rate (or reduced/zero rates where applicable) on the total of goods value, duty, and shipping.
Include excise duties – Applies to alcohol, tobacco, and certain fuel products.

Foreign-owned companies importing goods into the UK must also obtain an EORI number and comply with customs declarations to avoid penalties.