Leicester is the UK's textile and clothing industry hub, known for fast fashion production, and a major FMCG and food distribution centre — Aldi and Lidl both have distribution centres here. The Polish community in Leicester numbers around 40,000 people — one of the largest in the UK relative to population. Easy Clearance supports Polish businesses importing and exporting goods through the ports serving the East Midlands: Felixstowe, Tilbury, Hull and East Midlands Airport. Thanks to its central location on the M1, M69 and A46 motorways, Leicester is an excellent logistics centre for the whole region.
Contents
Our customs services for Leicester and the East Midlands
- Import (HS 61-63): Textiles and clothing from Poland — 0% duty under TCA with Polish origin. Price: see our price list
- Export from Poland to the UK: EX1 documentation + certificate of origin + CMR. Price: see our price list
- T1 Transit: Customs transit through the UK to further destinations. Price: see our price list
- ENS (Entry Summary Declaration): Mandatory declaration before arrival. Price: see our price list
- GMR / GVMS: Number required at GVMS borders. Price: see our price list
The ranges shown are indicative — an exact quote is provided once documents are submitted.
Leicester — the East Midlands' textile and logistics hub
Leicester is famous for its textile and clothing industry — the city is one of the UK's main fast fashion centres. Polish clothing factories from Łódź, Kraków and Wrocław regularly export goods to distributors in Leicester. Products classified under HS 61 (knitted fabrics), HS 62 (woven fabrics) and HS 63 (other textiles) benefit from a zero duty rate under the TCA when Polish origin is documented.
A large FMCG centre in Leicester serves the Polish community of around 40,000 people. Grocery shops, caterers and food importers can import directly from Poland once they have a GB EORI number and support from a customs agent. Easy Clearance prepares all documents remotely — clearance is ready for the driver before they reach the border.
Ports and logistics for Leicester businesses
Leicester's central location gives businesses access to several import ports. Felixstowe (around 90 miles via the A14) is the UK's largest container port. Tilbury and London Gateway (around 110 miles via the M1) handle containers from Europe. Hull (around 120 miles via the M1 North) is a good option for ro-ro cargo and ferries from Rotterdam. East Midlands Airport (around 15 miles from Leicester) handles air cargo — DHL, UPS and FedEx operate from EMA for urgent B2B shipments.
More on border procedures: GMR/GVMS — how to get a number | UK customs clearance pricing 2026 | UK customs basics — a guide
Customs Agency Leicester — Felixstowe and Hull for the East Midlands
Leicester is one of the largest inland cities in the East Midlands, around 130 km from Hull (M1/A63) and 180 km from Felixstowe. For trade with Poland, the natural route is the RoRo ferries Hull–Rotterdam (P&O) or Hull–Zeebrugge (DFDS). Felixstowe remains the main container hub. Leicester's economy is built on fashion (one of the UK's largest textile wholesale markets), food and logistics — with a high proportion of declarations for fabrics and clothing (CN 50–63), footwear (64) and food. Correct classification and preferential rules of origin are key here.
- RoRo clearance via Hull and Immingham — GVMS-GMR declarations for tractor units from the East Midlands
- Container imports via Felixstowe — ENS and CDS declarations for FCL/LCL
- CN classification of fabrics and clothing — reducing tariff risk for the fashion sector
- EORI and Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) — improving importers' cash flow
Frequently asked questions
Do you handle the import of textiles and clothing from Poland to Leicester?
Yes, clothing (HS 61-62) and textiles (HS 63) are among our regular clearances. Under the TCA with Polish origin — 0% duty. A certificate of origin or statement on invoice is required.
Can Polish grocery shops in Leicester import directly?
Yes, small businesses can import directly from Poland. They need a GB EORI number, a customs agent (Easy Clearance) and basic documents.
What ports handle goods for Leicester?
Given the central location: Felixstowe (90 miles via A14), Tilbury (110 miles via M1), Hull (120 miles via M1 North). For air cargo: East Midlands Airport (15 miles).
How much does clearance cost for a small Polish company importing into Leicester?
Current rates are in our price list. For small businesses with regular deliveries we offer preferential rates.
Do you handle the export of textiles from Polish factories (e.g. Łódź) to the UK?
Yes, exporting textiles from Łódź and other Polish production centres is one of our specialities. EX1 documentation + certificate of origin + CMR.
Related guides
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