Helping UK importers and exporters navigate customs with confidence.
General Questions
Q: What does a customs consultant do?
A: In simple terms, a customs consultant provides expert advice and hands-on support to help businesses meet all HMRC customs requirements when importing or exporting goods. This often involves ensuring the correct tariff classification, verifying customs valuations, checking rules of origin, and reviewing documentation. In other words, we make sure your trade processes are not only compliant but also efficient and cost-effective.
Q: Why should I hire an independent customs consultant?
A: While freight forwarders and brokers focus on moving goods and filing declarations, an independent consultant works solely in your business’s best interest. By partnering with an expert adviser, you gain strategic insights, compliance confidence, and often valuable cost savings. In addition, I can identify potential duty overpayments, highlight available reliefs, and ensure your processes align with HMRC best practice — all without any conflict of interest.
Services & Support
Q: What services do you provide?
A: My consultancy offers a complete range of customs support designed to make your import and export operations smoother and more compliant. Specifically, my services include:
- Tariff classification and duty assessments
- Compliance audits and HMRC health checks
- Import/export documentation reviews
- Origin and preference advice under UK and international trade agreements
- Valuation support and responses to HMRC queries
- Training sessions and tailored workshops for your team
- Assistance with HMRC authorisations, including AEO and customs warehousing
In short, whether you need a one-off review or ongoing guidance, I can adapt my services to suit your business.
Q: Do you work with small businesses as well as large corporations?
A: Absolutely. I support companies of every size — from first-time importers and e-commerce sellers to large-scale manufacturers and distributors. Regardless of your experience level, my goal is to simplify customs compliance and help your trade activities run more smoothly.
Q: Do you handle customs clearance directly?
A: Not directly. While I’m not a customs broker, I work closely with your appointed broker or freight forwarder. By working together, we review and verify all documentation and declarations before submitting them to HMRC, reducing the risk of costly delays or compliance issues.
Compliance & Regulations
Q: What are the main UK customs requirements for importers and exporters?
A: To trade internationally, you’ll need an EORI number, accurate commodity codes (HS codes), correct customs valuation, and all necessary documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Additionally I can guide you step-by-step through each requirement so you can trade confidently and compliantly.
Q: What happens if my goods are held at the border?
A: If your goods are delayed or detained by HMRC or Border Force, I can step in to help. By reviewing your paperwork, liaising with your broker, and identifying the root cause of the issue, I can help you resolve the situation as quickly as possible — allowing your goods to move again without unnecessary disruption.
Q: How can I make sure I’m paying the right amount of duty?
A: First, by reviewing your tariff classifications and customs valuations, I ensure your goods are declared under the correct HS codes. Then, I check whether you qualify for any duty reliefs or preferential rates under the UK’s trade agreements. This way, you not only stay compliant but also avoid overpaying.
Q: What are the risks of non-compliance?
A: Failing to meet customs requirements can lead to fines, shipment delays, and even HMRC investigations. However, with proactive compliance checks and expert guidance, you can prevent most of these issues entirely. In short, investing in compliance now saves time, stress, and money later.
Working With Me
Q: How do I get started?
A: Getting started is simple. Just get in touch to arrange an initial consultation. During our first conversation, we’ll review your import/export activities, identify potential risks or savings, and outline a practical action plan tailored to your business.
Q: What information will you need from me?
A: To begin, I usually ask for recent customs declarations, commercial invoices, packing lists, and details about your products — including HS codes and suppliers. This information helps me assess your compliance position and highlight opportunities for improvement.
Q: How are your fees structured?
A: My fees are transparent and agreed in advance. Depending on your needs, I offer hourly rates, fixed-fee project pricing, or ongoing retainer options. This means you can choose the approach that best fits your budget and level of support.
Q: Can you support businesses outside the UK?
A: Yes, definitely. Many of my clients trade between the UK and the EU, as well as other international markets. I can interpret customs regulations in different jurisdictions and coordinate with your overseas partners to ensure seamless cross-border compliance.