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Customs declarations: Why you should use CustomsClear software to submit declarations

Customs declarations: Why you should use CustomsClear software to submit declarations
Dan Barlow
Dan BarlowDeloitte UK

Posted: Wed 16th Mar 2022

Information correct at publication date.

Since the UK left the European single market, businesses importing and exporting goods between the UK* and the European Union (EU) are required to submit customs declarations. 

The need for affordable, transparent and future-proof customs processing is especially important for small and medium-sized businesses, where increased cost or admin can have a severe impact on operations and profit. A challenge that CustomsClear is answering.

CustomsClear is future-proofing customs processes for businesses

CustomsClear is new software from Deloitte, designed as a simpler, alternative way for UK businesses to submit customs declarations when trading with EU businesses. With no set-up fees and its DIY nature, CustomsClear helps businesses reduce costs, streamline processes, and avoid delays in moving their goods.

With CustomsClear, traders are the first to know about any issues. Integrating directly with HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS), CustomsClear is a completely direct solution.

It provides real-time feedback from HMRC to confirm when declarations are accepted, and any status updates or requests as the goods go through the clearance process.

CustomsClear features

  • An easy-to-use interface connected directly to CDS

  • Intelligent automation guides you through the process and pre-populates your declaration based on your trader profile

  • Commodity code look-up helps you find and classify goods using everyday descriptions

  • Tips and guidance to help you complete your declarations

  • Real-time visibility of declaration progress and direct feedback from HMRC

  • Standard export declarations for goods moving from the UK* to the EU

*Not currently supporting goods exported from Northern Ireland to the EU

Is CustomsClear for you?

CustomsClear is for UK businesses looking for a simpler, alternative way to create export declarations to trade with EU businesses.

CustomsClear is for you if you’re:

  • importing or exporting goods between businesses in the EU using standard declarations

  • importing or exporting non-controlled goods

  • intending to release your goods to free circulation

  • shipping your goods by lorry (Roll-on/Roll-off), via ports that use the Goods Vehicle Movement System (GVMS)

GVMS ports CustomsClear serves

  • Dover

  • Eurotunnel (Folkestone)

  • Fishguard

  • Heysham

  • Holyhead

  • Liverpool

  • Newhaven

  • Pembroke (Milford Haven)

  • Sheerness

Bringing your declarations in-house

The burden of data collection for any customs declaration falls to the business. Even businesses that use intermediaries are already gathering and sharing with their agent or broker the information needed.

By using CustomsClear, you can submit your declarations directly to HMRC at a time that suits you. You’ll get real-time responses to say if your declaration has been accepted and you can submit, track and manage your declarations all in one place.

Completing the declaration directly:

  • cuts out a step in the process

  • saves time and money

  • gives full visibility into the customs declarations process

CustomsClear guides you through the submission process, with contextual help along the way. The software helps you submit accurate declarations, reducing the chances of your goods being delayed.

Find out more about CustomsClear

 


Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and we recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from action on any of the contents of this publication. Deloitte LLP accepts no liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication.

Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"). DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL and Deloitte NSE LLP do not provide services to clients. Learn more about our global network of member firms.

© 2022 Deloitte LLP. All rights reserved.

Dan Barlow
Dan BarlowDeloitte UK
Dan is an indirect tax advisor, helping his clients understand the world of customs duties and VAT. He has worked at Deloitte since 1996, prior to which he was a VAT inspector at HM Revenue & Customs. In addition to advising clients, Dan leads Deloitte’s regional business outside of London – his aim is to bring the best of Deloitte to its clients and communities that the firm works in outside London.

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