If you wish to proceed…
Having read the Customs Clearance section of this website, you will need to provide:
A commercial invoice
for the goods being imported. For commercial goods, this should show not just the full name and address of both exporter and importer, but also a detailed list of the goods imported, with their value in a recognised currency. Also Terms of Trade should be listed on the invoice.
A packing List
showing the nature of the goods being imported and their weight, net and gross.
Any Other Supporting Documents
If your cargo is entitled to preference, then email the certificate that proves this. If the goods can only be imported with a licence, be that a Rural Payment, Forestry or Port Health licence, this should have been applied for, before arrival into the UK. Some foodstuffs require a Health Certificate, or for some agricultural products, a phyto certificate, or for some plastics from China, an analysis report. If in any doubt then ask your supplier as they should have some insight from similar previous shipments they have handled before. If they are unhelpful, you can also try your local Chamber of Commerce. What do I need to import these goods to the UK?
A Bill of Lading or Notice of Arrival
that shows the vessel name, the port of loading and arrival and nature of the goods being imported, their weight, and information on the company handling the shipment to UK. For full loads more importantly, the container number should also be visible. This is often a 4 alpha prefix followed by 7 numbers. Usually the 4th letter of the 4 alpha pre-fix is a ‘U’, i.e. ABCU1234567 .
This is how we track your cargo in addition to the port of arrival in the UK, as your container no. if valid, can easily be tracked on the port’s system, nearer to the date of arrival in UK.
An EORI number
if your cargo is for commercial sale in the UK. For private imports, the wording on the DIRECT REPRESENTATION form for Private Imports will be enough to avoid the need for an EORI number.
Direct Representation
Your agent cannot legally act on your behalf before you have written to them in a precise format (see below).
Broadside can work on a scanned document as long as the original document is received in two working days:
Link for Commercial Clients
Direct Representation – Commercial Goods
Link for Private Importers
Direct Representation – Private Import
Please transfer the correctly worded version to your company letter headed stationery and once signed and dated, please email it same day to Broadside CCA Ltd so that I can act on your behalf at the earliest opportunity.