Containers held up by UKBA

[noodler]

Hello folks

Im a new importer , recently my containers inbound for London Gateway has been flagged for document check by the UKBA and it's been 5 days since my agent submitted the files , there has been no response from the UKBA, I'm wondering how long does this process normally take ? Is there a contact number I can ring to check the status of things ?

It feels like I'm stuck in a limbo watching my demurrage fees piling up without being able to do anything .

Thank you for reading.

 

[Customs Geek]

Hi
Firstly check exactly which govt department has requested the document check. It would normally be UK Border Force or HMRC but there are others such as port health or trading standards who can also stop shipments. UKBA is the old name of the department who deals with visas and immigration so unlikely.
If you have employed a customs agent a good one would be chasing this for you as it is they who would normally been contacted in the first place and will have the relevant contacts. They should also be aware of the status of the clearance. It would be them I recommend speaking with.
If it’s documentary check they usually go to the national clearance hub,details below. You will need all the details about your shipment including the MRN (the movement reference number) . This is the import reference number allocated to the import declaration submitted. Again your customs agent should have this.
www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/national-clearance-hub

 

[WaveJumper]

Are you importing something which might be a little 'contentious' hence it has been flagged up for custom checks.

 

[noodler]

Are you importing something which might be a little 'contentious' hence it has been flagged up for custom checks.

Not at all .

Single hs code of OSB used in sheathing

 

[noodler]

Hi
Firstly check exactly which govt department has requested the document check. It would normally be UK Border Force or HMRC but there are others such as port health or trading standards who can also stop shipments. UKBA is the old name of the department who deals with visas and immigration so unlikely.
If you have employed a customs agent a good one would be chasing this for you as it is they who would normally been contacted in the first place and will have the relevant contacts. They should also be aware of the status of the clearance. It would be them I recommend speaking with.
If it’s documentary check they usually go to the national clearance hub,details below. You will need all the details about your shipment including the MRN (the movement reference number) . This is the import reference number allocated to the import declaration submitted. Again your customs agent should have this.

Thank you for the info , this morning I just got informed all my containers are selected for an X ray check , fingers crossed they release it soon.

do you have a good recommendation for customs agent by any chance?

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Thank you for the info , this morning I just got informed all my containers are selected for an X ray check , fingers crossed they release it soon.

do you have a good recommendation for customs agent by any chance?

I recommend @Customs Geek Always sharing good knowledge and help on here

 

[Customs Geek]

Not at all .

Single hs code of OSB used in sheathing

wood products can be problematic . Pests, diseases, where the wood is sourced etc.

 

[Customs Geek]

Thank you for the info , this morning I just got informed all my containers are selected for an X ray check , fingers crossed they release it soon.

do you have a good recommendation for customs agent by any chance?

If the container has got as far as being examined someone must have submitted a declaration for you. Whoever that is will be acting as customs agent/ broker. They may be the freight forwarder as well. If someone has contacted you to tell you what’s going on start there.

 

[AmazonGeek]

I've been importing for almost 20 years and had my first one of these this weekend. Sounds like they are on a bit of a rampage

 

[noodler]

crazy times, how do people even deal with the huge demurrage bill , totally unexpected expense

 

[DoolallyTap]

container xray takes time so demurrage will grow, how you deal with it - is to pay it!

 

[AmazonGeek]

Mine cleared by the way and is being delivered on Wednesday. Push your shipping agent on this to get it through.