Importing goods into the U.K.

[AaronScott]

Hi,
I would like to introduce myself on here, I'm Aaron, and I would like to start with a question if I may?

I'm in the position where I could import specific goods (textiles) at a good price from Asia, however in my best efforts to understand the importation process, and the legal responsibilities, I have seem to have reached an impasse.

I think I have a basic grasp of the theory involved, but abstract theory is all I have seemed to grasp from HMRC guides. I'm going to spend the next fortnight in more research, however after this time I will probably look for alternatives.

Are there firms that manage all the relevant paperwork and etc, when the goods arrive in the U.K, store them until I would be ready for pick up?

What would you recommend I do, especially considering I will initially be importing relatively small volumes?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Just_a_bloke]

I used to work for a UK company (about 15 years a go, so memory a bit thin) where I used to purchase items from around the world. We used to use a company called Fritz who used to accept goods on our behalf using a three digit 'turn' number, plus our vat number. Another number used in the process was a "DIFIRM" number. From what I can remember they used to sort out the taxes and duties and forward them on to us.

When I've bought things in from the states, Royal Mail hang on to it, until you give them a cc number to pay the taxes and duties, however with my last big order I got the seller to clearly mark our vat number on the box. This time UPS delivered the package and took payment off us on the door step (I think about 20% of the invoice value), this time we got proper paperwork for our records (unlike RM).

I appreciate the above is not a direct answer to your question, but it may give you some leads for further enquires.

Just done a bit of googling and it seems like Fritz have been taken over - http://www.linkedin.com/companies/fritz-companies

 

[PhilBen]

Hi there are plenty of people here that can advise on the importing side of things. I would gladly advise you on your Foreign Exchange requirements

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

Hi Aaron - I'm in shipping, freight forwarding and warehousing. My company Wavecrest Ltd has been handling shipments from China since 1994.

I would say that importing textiles can be a bit of a minefield. Certain textile products are subject to import licence requirements.

If you would like to PM me your e-mail address, I can send you a few pointers.

Glen

 

[Bruce_M]

Would itt be post the pointers here?

There would be others interested in your info.

 

[jasonok]

hi Aaron
i am textiles exporter in china ,i can offer you the good quality products and arrange the shippment from china to your company directly.have no the complicated procedure. if you are interested in it , PM the message and leave the e-mail ,i will contact you ,thanks

 

[Moneyman]

do you have a specific line of stuff you want to import or is it just you would like to get the fabrics cheap? if the latter i would try to find one of the big uk importers, they tend to have shops around the eastern edge of the city of london. if you have something specific they can get hold of it for you and sort all the paperwork and probably get a better deal. alos they can handle quality control (tends to go down after second shipment)
keep it simple to begin with. then see if you can cut margins later. If you just deal with one set of laws (uk) you are less likely to be ripped off. dont always cut out the middle man. it creates extra work and can stop you focussing on the core of the business.

 

[AaronScott]

Much appreciated your advice and offers of assistance.

Aaron