Customs Forms Explained – Your Quick Guide for UK Shipments
If you’re moving goods across borders, paperwork is the gatekeeper. Customs forms tell the authorities what’s inside a box, where it’s coming from, and whether taxes apply. Forgetting a detail can mean extra fees, a stuck shipment, or even a fine. This guide walks you through the basics so you can ship with confidence, whether you’re a small business or sending personal items abroad.
Why Customs Forms Matter
Every parcel that leaves the UK for another country needs a clear declaration. Customs agents use the forms to assess duties, check prohibited items, and confirm safety standards. Accurate forms speed up clearance, keep costs predictable, and protect you from legal trouble. For example, a wrong tariff code can add 20% extra duty – a cost that could have been avoided with a simple check.
How to Fill Common UK Customs Forms
1. Choose the right form. For most commercial shipments you’ll use a Commercial Invoice (CN22 or CN23 for smaller parcels). Personal moves often require a C88 or a simple customs declaration if the value is low.
2. Describe the goods clearly. List each item, its material, purpose, and quantity. Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous” – say "wooden dining table, oak, 1 unit" instead. This helps the officer assign the correct commodity code.
3. Add accurate values. Use the actual sale price or fair market value. Under‑reporting triggers suspicion and can lead to penalties.
4. Provide the correct HS code. The Harmonised System code tells customs what duty rate applies. You can look it up on the UK Trade Tariff website – it’s worth a minute of extra research.
5. Include origin and destination details. State the country where the goods were made and the final delivery address. This information determines if any trade agreements lower the duty.
6. Sign and date. A handwritten signature shows you’ve verified the information. Digital signatures are accepted by many couriers, but make sure they’re legible.
Once the form is filled, attach it securely to the package. If you’re using a courier like Dex Removals & Logistics Services, they’ll often place the paperwork in a pouch on the outside of the pallet or box.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Leaving fields blank – even “N/A” can help the officer understand you didn’t forget.
- Mixing units (kg vs lbs) – pick one and stay consistent.
- Forgetting to declare low‑value items – customs can still charge a handling fee if they suspect omission.
By double‑checking these points, you cut the risk of a shipment being held up at the border.
Need extra help? Many UK couriers offer a customs advice line, and Dex Removals can handle the paperwork for you, letting you focus on packing and planning.
Bottom line: a well‑filled customs form is your fastest ticket through international borders. Take a few minutes to get it right, and you’ll save time, money, and headaches later.
May 8, 2025
Evelyn Wescott
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