CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE

Efficient customs clearance

Get your products where they belong – with your customers. AVASK manage your customs, imports and exports to make sure your goods clear through customs smoothly.

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Acting as a liaison between you and the customs authorities, our customs broker handles the intricate customs clearance process on your behalf. Whether you’re involved in imports or exports, our in-house customs experts guarantee swift, dependable, and precise clearance of your shipments, alleviating the burden for your business.

How AVASK can help

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customs brokerage services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our commitment is to provide expert guidance through the complexities of customs regulations, ensuring smooth and compliant trade operations.

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Who decides how much import duties and taxes I have to pay?

UK VAT is currently 20%. Duty is dependent on the type of product being imported. Brussels sets all duty rates for the EU and pays them upon free circulation within the EU.
All goods are classified into commodity codes. The duty and VAT amount vary for each commodity. Importers are responsible for categorising the codes.

How do you calculate customs clearance charges?

Several methods will help you calculate your customs clearance charges. You might be looking to calculate the transactional value or price payable to the seller or the customs value of identical goods produced in the same country as your imports.
We have created a customs clearance charges calculation guide here but encourage you to contact our team, who will advise.

How can I pay for import duties and taxes?

Your customs clearance agent will advise you how much duty and VAT you must pay. You can pay customs directly or us first, and we will pay customs on your behalf.

Where can I find more information on customs clearance?

Further information on customs clearance, their rules and regulations, service standards and details of your local Customs clearance office can be found on their website: www.gov.uk/starting-to-import‍

What happens after customs clearance?

We provide copies of all documentation completed on your behalf and lodged with HMRC. We can also facilitate delivery of your goods after clearance if you require it.

I am importing for the first time. How do I know if the products I will import are allowed into the EU?

Some commodities, such as firearms and explosives, cannot be imported into the EU unless by an authorised person. If you have any doubts about whether your goods are approved in the EU, please get in touch with us before shipment.
Details of restricted goods can be found on the UK Customs website: www.gov.uk/guidance/import-controls. Alternatively, please check with a member of our experienced team who would be happy to assist.

I am moving my personal effects/moving abroad; what do I do?

Specific conditions must be met to attain VAT and duty relief for personal effects upon import. If you have recently returned to the UK, lived overseas for at least one year, and owned the goods for six months, no VAT and duty are required. Goods can still be imported if they do not fall under these criteria, but duty and VAT may be applicable.
Specific documentation with original signatures is also required, so it is essential to check with AVASK beforehand.
If you import a car, the VAT and duty relief will depend on its purpose.

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