International Customs and Excise Duties
Understanding Customs Requirements Before Shipping Overseas
Before shipping vehicles, commercial cargo, household goods or personal belongings overseas, it is essential to understand the customs regulations, import duties, taxes and documentation requirements for your destination country.
Every country has its own customs legislation, import restrictions and clearance procedures. These regulations can vary significantly depending on the type of goods being imported, their value, country of origin, and whether the shipment is intended for commercial or personal use.
Taking the time to understand your destination country’s customs requirements before your shipment leaves the UK can help prevent unnecessary delays, unexpected charges and customs clearance issues upon arrival.
Whether you are exporting a vehicle, household furniture, machinery, commercial cargo or personal belongings, we strongly recommend checking the latest customs regulations before arranging your shipment.
Being fully informed before shipping allows you to budget accurately, prepare the correct documentation and avoid unnecessary complications during the international shipping process.
Customs Duties, Taxes and Import Charges
What Costs Should You Expect?
When shipping goods internationally, import charges are normally payable once your shipment reaches its destination country.
Depending on the country and type of shipment, you may be required to pay one or more of the following charges:
- Import Customs Duty
- Import VAT or Sales Tax
- Excise Duty (where applicable)
- Destination Terminal Handling Charges (DTHC)
- Port Handling Charges
- Customs Clearance Fees
- Wharfage Charges
- Storage Charges (if applicable)
- Container Unloading (Devanning) Charges
- Port Security Fees
- Documentation Charges
- Inspection Fees
- Quarantine Charges (where required)
The exact charges will depend on:
- Country of import
- Type of cargo
- Vehicle or goods value
- Commodity classification
- Local customs regulations
- Import permits
- Applicable trade agreements
If you are relocating permanently or returning to your country of residence, you may qualify for customs concessions or exemptions from certain duties and taxes, subject to local customs regulations.
As customs policies regularly change, we always recommend checking with the relevant customs authority before shipping your goods.
Your Responsibilities as the Importer
Understanding Import Regulations
When arranging international shipping, it is important to understand that the importer or consignee is generally responsible for complying with the customs requirements of the destination country.
As the importer, your responsibilities may include:
- Paying import duties
- Paying local taxes
- Providing customs documentation
- Obtaining import permits where required
- Meeting destination customs regulations
- Providing proof of ownership where applicable
- Completing customs declarations
Import duties, taxes and customs charges are generally not included within international shipping quotations unless specifically stated.
Customers should therefore ensure they understand all potential destination costs before confirming shipment.
Preparing the correct documentation before export can significantly reduce customs delays and help ensure a smooth customs clearance process.
Vehicle Import Duties and Customs Clearance
International Vehicle Shipping Requirements
When shipping cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks, agricultural machinery or any other motor vehicle overseas from the United Kingdom, destination countries may apply specific import regulations.
Depending on the destination country, imported vehicles may be subject to:
- Customs Duty
- Import VAT
- Excise Tax
- Environmental Levies
- Vehicle Registration Charges
- Roadworthiness Inspections
- Compliance Testing
- Local Licensing Requirements
Some countries also have restrictions relating to:
- Vehicle age
- Emissions standards
- Left-hand drive or right-hand drive vehicles
- Safety standards
- Import permits
- Temporary or permanent imports
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure the vehicle complies with all local regulations before shipment.
We recommend contacting the relevant customs authority before exporting any vehicle to confirm the latest import requirements.
Customs Documentation and Clearance Assistance
Professional Support Throughout the Import Process
International customs procedures can often appear complicated, particularly for first-time importers.
To help simplify the process, we work with a trusted network of experienced customs brokers, freight agents and logistics partners located in many countries around the world.
Our overseas partners can assist with:
- Customs clearance
- Import documentation
- Port handling
- Duty calculations
- Import procedures
- Vehicle release
- Cargo inspections
- Delivery arrangements
These independent customs specialists charge their own service fees; however, they can often save customers considerable time by ensuring all documentation is completed correctly.
Using an experienced customs clearance agent can help reduce delays, avoid unnecessary storage charges and ensure your shipment complies with local regulations.
Estimating Import Duties
Calculate Potential Import Costs Before Shipping
Before exporting your shipment, it is advisable to estimate the customs duties and taxes that may become payable when your cargo arrives.
Import duty calculations are generally based on:
- Declared cargo value
- Freight costs
- Insurance value
- Commodity classification
- Country of origin
- Destination country regulations
Many customs authorities provide online Import Duty Calculators that can help estimate the duties and taxes payable before shipment.
These estimates allow customers to budget more accurately and avoid unexpected expenses when their shipment arrives.
Please note that any calculations obtained online are estimates only. Final duties and taxes are determined by the Customs Authority of the destination country.
Import Duty Calculator & Customs Information
You can click on the official Customs websites listed below for Customs Duties, Import Regulations and Excise information for your destination country.
If your destination country is not listed, please visit your country’s official Customs or Revenue Authority website.
Please note: When shipping a vehicle, machinery, commercial cargo or household goods overseas from the UK, all destination import duties, customs charges, taxes, VAT, excise duties and import restrictions remain the responsibility of the importer unless otherwise agreed in writing.
These charges are not included within your international shipping quotation.
You can also use an Import Duty Calculator available through many official customs authorities to obtain an estimated calculation of the import duties and taxes that may become payable before your shipment arrives.
Worldwide Customs Information
Official Customs Authorities
We have an extensive network of professional overseas agents who can provide additional assistance with customs clearance, documentation and destination delivery. They will normally charge a separate local service fee for these services.
If you require further information regarding international customs procedures, vehicle imports or overseas shipping regulations, our experienced logistics team will be pleased to assist you.
Click the Country Below for Official Overseas Customs Information
| Country | Official Customs Website |
|---|---|
| Australia | www.customs.gov.au |
| Belgium | www.fiscus.fgov.be |
| Canada | www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca |
| China | www.customs.gov.cn |
| Denmark | www.toldskat.dk |
| Finland | www.tulli.fi |
| France | www.douane.gouv.fr |
| Germany | www.zoll.de |
| Hong Kong | www.info.gov.hk |
| India | www.cbec.gov.in |
| Indonesia | www.beacukai.go.id |
| Italy | www.agenziadogane.it |
| Japan | www.customs.go.jp |
| Malaysia | www.customs.gov.my |
| Netherlands | www.belastingdienst.nl |
| New Zealand | www.customs.govt.nz |
| Norway | www.toll.no |
| Portugal | www.dgaiec.min-financas.pt |
| South Africa | www.sars.gov.za |
| Spain | www.aeat.es |
| Sweden | www.tullverket.se |
| Switzerland | www.bazg.admin.ch |
| Thailand | www.customs.go.th |
| United Kingdom | www.gov.uk/hmrc |
| United States | www.cbp.gov |
| Vietnam | www.customs.gov.vn |
Need Further Assistance?
If you have any questions regarding international customs procedures, import duties, vehicle shipping, household removals or commercial freight forwarding, our experienced logistics team is always available to help.
We can provide guidance on export documentation, shipping procedures, customs requirements and introduce you to trusted overseas customs clearance agents who can assist with the import process.
Contact us today for professional advice and a competitive quotation for your international shipping requirements.
