Help with software for customs uk

[Alex Cummings]

Hi everyone. I have started a new buisness that involves importing from china to the uk.
I am having trouble in understanding the process of making a customs declaration.
Am i right in thinking you need specialist software to make a declaration

"To make a full import declaration electronically, you'll need to use software that can interact"

If anyone can give us a quick rundown on the steps to do this that would be fantastic. it wont be a lot of imported goods to start with.

Thanks Alex Cummings

 

[Shipping Guru]

Hi Alex. Is your business a customs brokerage? Or would having a broker be more beneficial than doing it yourself?

 

[Deleted member 351022]

Hi

Yes specialist software is needed to make a customs declaration, however is not something a small importer would get involved with. Firstly the cost of software is high plus completing a customs entry is complex and best left to people who understand how to do that.
The vast majority of importers will use a third party customs agent or brokers to do the declaration for them.
If you import on a small scale you may use a courier company or express parcel operator who include the customs declaration in their prices.

 

[Alex Cummings]

Hi

Yes specialist software is needed to make a customs declaration, however is not something a small importer would get involved with. Firstly the cost of software is high plus completing a customs entry is complex and best left to people who understand how to do that.
The vast majority of importers will use a third party customs agent or brokers to do the declaration for them.
If you import on a small scale you may use a courier company or express parcel operator who include the customs declaration in their prices.

Thanks very much. Yeah i"m just starting out so i will go down the route of a courier company. Im assuming it a case of doing a bit of research to find the best courier for the right price. Thats great you have probably saves me a few pounds. Thanks for your time

 

[fisicx]

Get in contact with @MOIC.

 

[Shipping Guru]

Thanks very much. Yeah i"m just starting out so i will go down the route of a courier company. Im assuming it a case of doing a bit of research to find the best courier for the right price. Thats great you have probably saves me a few pounds. Thanks for your time

Hi Alex, if you DM me, i can support. we have both courier and standalone customs options.

thanks

Carl

 

[MOIC]

How are you/your supplier shipping the goods from China to UK?

You shouldn't need to get involved in any Customs declaration. A courier or shipping agent will do it all for you. You just pay the import duty & VAT on arrival, which is based on your Commercial Invoice amount, and shipping fee.

 

[Winn]

Hi Alex,



Congrats on starting your new business — that’s an exciting step!



You’re absolutely right that to make a full import declaration electronically in the UK, you generally need specialist software that connects to HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS), or you’ll need to work with a customs agent or freight forwarder who can do this on your behalf.



That said, since you’re just starting out and won’t be importing large volumes yet, working with a reliable logistics partner can save you a lot of time, stress, and setup costs.



We’re a Shenzhen-based logistics and supply chain company, and we help many UK-based small businesses with end-to-end DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping from China to the UK — meaning we handle all the shipping, customs clearance, duties, and taxes on your behalf, and you simply receive the goods at your door.



Additionally, if you ever need help finding trusted suppliers, product inspections, or quality checks in China, we also offer those services — it’s all part of helping small businesses grow with confidence when sourcing from China.



Happy to answer any specific questions you might have about import declarations or the shipping process. Feel free to reply or DM me — would love to see how we can support your business!



All the best,

Winn