Import Customs Clearance Document List

Importing good from abroad to the UK involves documentation process. First-time goods or product importers might not be aware of the types of documents needed during the process. Check some of the most common custom clearance document needed during importing products.

Naturally, due to variety of the products imported from other country. The certification or document needed for all the goods are not the same. While importing good from abroad there are import customs clearance documents that needed to get approval from HMRC for the entry of all the goods in the country.

Original paper Bill of Lading or an electronic release

The bill of lading contains all the details of the shipment. It is the official shipping document to claim the ownership of the goods. After the transfer of a bill of lading, the imported goods are moved from the supplier to belonging. The reseller is legally responsible for selling the shipped goods in the UK. Without the Original paper Bill of Lading or an electronic release, the goods cannot be delivered to the importer.

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice contains the seller and buyer’s details in addition to the type of quantity, goods, and product price and sale terms. The commercial invoice also declares the custom about the number of Duties and Taxes that have been or to be paid.

List of Packing Items (Packing List)

• The packing list provides the details to the shipper about the type of goods in the shipment, number of cartons, number of items in each carton, Weight and dimension of the carton and process they are packed.
• It makes easier for everyone to track and check what they’re shipping.
• Everyone is involved in the process to check the ability at various stages about what goods they’re shipping and also about the invoice to declare the amount paid.
• Packing list might not seem like essential documents but still, it is important in many aspects.

1. It can follow an inspection record.
2. For clearance and entry into the country. The packing list is used by customs.
3. It allows the shipper to track on what goods has been requested too and what goods has been shipped.
4. Parking list is used to issue a B/L.

EORI number

EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is a European identification. It is used to identify the shipment and the owner. Same EORI number can be used anywhere within EU for identification and in all the included countries.

Different goods have to follow different security and safety standards. Goods such as chemicals and firearms will naturally be more hazardous than any clothing products. So need to be treated safely. Depending on what products you are importing, an additional document is needed.

 GSP Certificate of Origin, Form A

• GSP Certificate of Origin, Form A is a document to certify the origin of the products. The document is signed and issued by the applicable government department authorities or Chamber of Commerce or Embassy of the exporting country.
• The Document issued by the country certify the goods origination. It’s normally signed or issued by the applicable Government Department, Embassy of the exporting country or Chamber of Commerce.
• Most of the times GSP certificate are not required, but for importing from certain countries that are part of the GSP scheme can be greatly beneficial, then you can use your GSP (Full form) of origin to certify that your products/goods are entitled for a duty reduction(import Relief).
• If you are not aware of the GSP scheme is, In brief, it encourage traders to trade with the developing country as the government offers free or reduced duty ratings on products from certain countries.

CE Certificate

 The safety compliance certification (CE certificate) confirms that the imported goods are being produced with EU standards. The certificate is essential for assuring that the produced products can clear UK customs.

The CE marking is required for many products. It:

• Shows that the manufactured good cleared EU Standard (health, environmental or safety requirements)
• Is a sign of a good’s agreement with EU legislation?

Goods that need CE Certificate are:

• Electronic and Electrical equipment
• Machinery Equipment
• Active implantable medical devices
• Personal Safety/Protective equipment
• Gas appliances
• Directive Pressure Equipment
• Medical Equipment and devices
• In vitro diagnostic
• Telecommunications & Radio terminal equipment
• Non-automatic weighing instruments
• Simple pressure vessels
• Children Toys
• Lifts
• Protective & Equipment systems used for explosive atmospheres
• Cableways
• Products used in Construction Industry
• Civil use Explosives
• Recreational craft
• Latest Hot water boilers
• Equipment Used for Measuring

Port Health Certification

Edible products used with or in Food/drink need and additional certification as port health. Port Health is an authority to make sure that the products are healthy for the public, environmental and animal health in the UK.

List of Few certificates of Port Health you may need include are:

• Sanitary Certificate etc.
• Organic Certification
• Phytosanitary certificate

Test Certificates

Some electrical products can be checked the safety by Trading Standards.
You should be prepared to explain that the products have been officially examined to confirm by providing Saftey test certificates.

• Safe Transport of Goods Report
• Electrical/Chemical test reports
• Certificates of Conformity

List of goods you required an import license are:

• Military Goods
• Plants
• Dual-use technology
• Animals
• Artwork
• Paramilitary goods
• Chemicals
• Medicine

Certificates of Authorisation

Certificates of Authorisation work as the proof. They’re usually in the form of notes of the authorised holders.

The Documents and Certificates help you in getting the trading in the UK. If you want any advice, feel free to contact DNS Accountants at info@dnsaccountants.co.uk or 02071480205