Customs solutions after Brexit are the methods, procedures, and expertise used by organisations to meet customs requirements when transporting goods after the UK leaves the EU.
Table of Contents
- How to Clear Customs Faster: Top Tips for Businesses
- Why Customs Delays Happen
- Prepare Your Paperwork Before Goods Are Dispatched
- Use the Correct Commodity Codes
- Make Sure Product Information Is Accurate
- Keep Up to Date with Post-Brexit Requirements
- Plan Ahead for Customs Clearance
- Work with Experienced Customs Specialists
- Review Your Customs Process Regularly
- Review Your Customs Health Regularly
- Why Good Customs Planning Matters
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Clear Customs Faster: Top Tips for Businesses
If you've ever had a shipment delayed at the border, you'll know how quickly a small paperwork issue can become a much bigger problem.
Since Brexit, businesses moving goods between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the European Union have had to adjust to new customs procedures. While the rules have changed, one thing hasn't: the better prepared your shipment is before it leaves, the more likely it is to clear customs without unnecessary delays.
On the bright side, it is possible to avoid customs delays in many cases, since they often stem from a lack of information, discrepancies in documents, or ignoring customs regulations early on.
In this guide, we'll share practical tips to help your business clear customs more efficiently and explain how the right customs solutions can simplify post-Brexit trade.
Why Customs Delays Happen
Customs declarations and all other necessary documentation must be checked and confirmed by the customs authority prior to moving the consignment further if there are any customs formalities.
If something is missing or doesn't match the supporting documentation, customs may need to request additional information before releasing the goods.
Some of the most common reasons for delays include:
- Missing or incomplete customs declarations
- Incorrect commodity codes
- Inaccurate shipment values
- Missing licences or certificates
- Inconsistent information across shipping documents
Many of these issues can be avoided with good preparation before the shipment leaves.
1. Prepare Your Paperwork Before Goods Are Dispatched
One of the simplest ways to speed up customs clearance is to prepare your documentation well in advance.
Waiting until the day of shipment increases the risk of errors or omissions.
Depending on the shipment, you may need:
- Commercial invoices
- Packing lists
- Transport documents
- Customs declarations
- Import or export licences where applicable
If your shipment requires a UK customs declaration, it's submitted through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which replaced the previous CHIEF system. Making sure declarations are completed accurately before goods are dispatched can help reduce delays and minimise the need for customs to request additional information.
Before dispatch, take a few minutes to check that the information is complete and consistent across every document.
2. Use the Correct Commodity Codes
Commodity codes are used to classify goods for customs purposes.
They help determine whether duties, restrictions, or additional controls apply to your products.
Using the wrong code can result in customs queries, delays, or incorrect duty calculations.
The UK Government's Trade Tariff guides on finding the correct commodity code for your goods.
3. Make Sure Product Information Is Accurate
The Customs must have a clear idea of what the products being shipped are.
Try to avoid using vague descriptions of your products like "parts" or "equipment."
Rather, use accurate descriptions of your products. Moreover, all information about your shipments must be consistent in all documents.
4. Keep Up to Date with Post-Brexit Requirements
Customs procedures have continued to evolve since Brexit.
Depending on where your goods are moving, the documentation required today may differ from what was needed a year ago.
Checking the latest guidance before shipping can help prevent unnecessary delays and ensure your business remains compliant.
Companies that constantly engage in importing or exporting goods are likely to gain a lot from the presence of Customs Know-How because the procedures are changing all the time. The information about current requirements will allow avoiding any complications in advance.
5. Plan Ahead for Customs Clearance
Customs shouldn't be treated as something to deal with after transport has been booked.
Instead, include customs planning in your shipping process.
Ask yourself:
- Are all documents complete?
- Are commodity codes correct?
- Have customs declarations been prepared?
- Are any licences required?
- Have current customs requirements been checked?
Planning ahead also means making sure the right transport and customs processes work together. Whether goods are travelling by road, sea, or air, preparing customs documentation before dispatch can help prevent delays later in the journey.
Spending a little extra time before dispatch can save days of delays later.
6. Work with Experienced Customs Specialists
Many businesses manage customs successfully in-house, but others prefer additional support, especially if they regularly move goods internationally.
Customs experts will not just process your declaration; they can also give advice on customs clearance procedures, commodity codes, transit documentation, and changes to legislation, thus enabling you to ship your goods properly. Companies that have good relations with customs offices and ports can be helpful in solving your problems with customs questions.
A lot of companies find such services as Import Customs Clearance, Export Customs Clearance, Transit Documentation, and Customs Health Checks very useful.
7. Review Your Customs Process Regularly
Customs procedures are not something you set up once and forget about.
As your business grows, your products change, or regulations are updated, it's worth reviewing your customs processes to ensure they're still efficient.
Regular reviews can help identify recurring issues before they begin affecting deliveries.
8. Review Your Customs Health Regularly
Even businesses with established customs procedures can benefit from reviewing how they're managing declarations and documentation.
A customs health check can help identify recurring issues, highlight areas for improvement, and ensure your business remains compliant as customs requirements continue to evolve.
Why Good Customs Planning Matters
Most successful shipments have one thing in common: they're well prepared before they leave.
Customs clearance isn't just about completing forms. It's about making sure the right information reaches customs authorities at the right time.
When documentation is accurate and complete, most shipments move through the customs process without unnecessary disruption.
Conclusion
Clearing customs faster isn't about finding shortcuts. It's about making sure your shipments are prepared properly before they leave. Accurate documentation, correct commodity codes, and up-to-date customs knowledge can make a significant difference to how smoothly goods move across borders.
If your business is looking for reliable customs solutions, experienced support can help simplify the process and reduce unnecessary delays. See how Westmond can help with your Customs Solutions requirements and contact us today to speak with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are customs solutions post-Brexit?
Customs solutions after Brexit are the services that will help businesses satisfy their customs obligations as they trade internationally. This may involve customs declaration, documentation of imports/exports, customs compliance, and guidance on trading rules.
2. How can businesses clear customs more quickly?
The best way to speed up customs clearance is to prepare before your goods are shipped. Make sure your paperwork is complete, use the correct commodity codes, provide accurate product information, and check that all customs requirements have been met before the shipment leaves.
3. What documents are usually needed for customs clearance?
These will vary according to the type of goods shipped; however, some of the common types of documentation that are required include commercial invoice, packing list, shipping documents, customs declaration, as well as licenses or certificates in some cases.
4. Why are commodity codes so important?
Commodity codes are used to categorize products when dealing with customs regulations. The application of duties, taxes, or other regulations on imports/exports depends on the commodity code. Incorrect use of the commodity code may result in complications during the customs process.
5. How can customs specialists help my business?
Customs specialists can help prepare customs declarations, review shipping documentation, guide commodity codes, and ensure your business complies with current customs requirements. This can save time, reduce administration, and minimise the risk of delays.
6. Where can I find official guidance on post-Brexit customs procedures?
The latest customs guidance is available from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the UK Trade Tariff, and Northern Ireland business guidance on GOV.UK. These resources provide up-to-date information on customs procedures, import and export requirements, and changes affecting businesses trading after Brexit.
