Newbie Help: Importing Process?

[James[D]]

Hi,

Im planning to import approximately £1,200 worth of stock (total weight about 30kg) from a supplier in America into the UK to sell in store. However Im a bit unsure of the exact process.

Whenever Ive imported things for myself in the past, the items were delivered then a few weeks later I would get letter requesting the amount of import duty to be paid - nice and simple! However, reading online it seems the process is much more complicated for businesses.

The articles Ive read are quite helpful but assume you have a Freight Forwarder Agent who can help with customs. I contacted several but because of the small quantity they said to just use a courier instead, but I guess that means I am responsible for all the customs paperwork etc (looks a bit daunting!)?

I found out theres an official document called The Tariff which explains everything, but that costs over £250! So instead was hoping I might be able to get some advice here. Im intending to use UPS, and as I understand it now, this is the process I would need to go through:

1. Go on UPS.com and arrange for parcel to be picked up from the US address
2. UPS pick up the parcel which contains a invoice from the supplier
3. UPS will bring it into Great Britain where it will be held at customs
4. Download and fill out a SAD (C88) form from HMRC website with the commodity codes found on the Business Link website
5. Post the form off to customs
6. Make the payment of duty (12.0% in my case) and VAT (17.5%) to customs
7. Parcel is then released from customs
8. UPS then deliver the parcel to my door

Does this sound about right? Has anyone here have any experience with importing with UPS? Do they do any of the paperwork for you? Do they charge any extra customs clearance or storage fees?

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

If you arrange the parcel through a courier like UPS they should take care of the customs clearance paperwork on your behalf. They may make an additional charge for this service.

As long as the correct documentation is with the parcel (e.g. invoices) there should not be any storage.

Depending what sort of goods you are importing other documentation may be required for the customs clearance.

UPS would collect any import duty and VAT from you probably plus a percentage handling fee and pay over to Customs on your behalf. They will probably expect you to pay this by credit card before or possibly when your parcel is delivered

If you are importing goods commercially to sell you should have an EORI number. You would have to apply to HM Customs for this but they will not issue the number without seeing an invoice for the goods and shipping documents (e.g. copy of the airwaybill). If you would like to e-mail me [email protected] I can send you a copy of the EORI application form

We deal with shipments from the US by air and sea freight but as you rightly say you would be better off using someone like UPS if your shipment is less than 100 kilos in weight.

Best regards,
Glen

 

[James[D]]

Hi Glen,

Many thanks for your reply. Eventually UPS replied to a similar email I sent them and where actually a lot more helpful than I was expecting, which along with your helpful pointers answered my worries.

Thanks.

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

Ok James,

Good to hear they put your mind at rest. If there's anything else I can help you with in the future, please feel free to get in touch any time.

Best regards
Glen