Besides duty and VAT, import involves port charges, storage, and SPS inspections. See the full list of additional import costs.
Contents
In short — what you'll learn
- ✓ How to prepare the process and documents
- ✓ How the declaration and checks work
- ✓ How to stay compliant and keep clean records
How to prepare the process and documents
Duty and import VAT aren't the only costs involved in importing - there are also port and terminal charges, storage costs if the goods sit idle, inspection fees (e.g. the Common User Charge for SPS goods in the UK), and the customs agency's fee. Below is a full list of items worth including in your calculation.
Scope of responsibility between the parties
Minimum data set for the declaration
When it comes to additional costs beyond duty and VAT, it's essential to distinguish responsibility between the importer, the exporter and the customs representative. The minimum data set for a customs declaration includes: the tariff code (CN/HS), the customs value, the country of origin, the gross and net weight, and the identifying details of the transacting parties. Missing any of these elements can hold up clearance and result in storage charges.
Find out more about UK customs agency services.
How the declaration and checks work
A customs declaration triggers a sequence of administrative steps, which run differently depending on the category of goods, the customs procedure chosen, and how complete the documentation is. A check may be documentary or physical - each of these carries different operational and financial risks.
Operational stages from notification to release
The most common risk points and how to reduce them
An internal checklist should cover: verifying the HS code before shipping, confirming the customs value matches the commercial invoice, checking that certificates and permits are still valid, and checking the status of PUESC or CDS before submitting the declaration. Regular internal audits help spot recurring mistakes and lower the overall cost of customs handling.
How to stay compliant and keep clean records
To stay compliant and handle customs costs efficiently, it's worth preparing an internal checklist that links the documentation requirements to the responsibilities of the logistics team, accounting, and the person responsible for liaising with the customs agency.
Record-keeping, corrections and evidence of due diligence
Customs documentation should be kept for a minimum of 5 years. This covers commercial invoices, customs declarations, transport documents, certificates of origin and proof of duty payment. During an official inspection, a complete archive serves as evidence of due diligence and can significantly shorten the investigation. Corrections to declarations should be filed as soon as an error is found - a late correction can result in interest or a penalty.
Working with a customs agency and internal audit
Working with a customs agency on an ongoing basis lets you keep track of changes to the customs tariff and border procedures in real time. A quarterly internal audit should cover: checking the accuracy of the CN codes used by the company, reviewing the additional costs incurred, and assessing clearance times against industry benchmarks. The audit results provide the basis for renegotiating terms with your customs agency.
Summary
In summary: when it comes to additional costs beyond duty and VAT, what matters most is running the process according to current official guidance, with a clear division of responsibility and every decision documented. This approach limits delays, reduces the number of corrections and makes it easier to defend your records during an inspection. If any requirement is unclear, check the current notices on PUESC or the UK Trade Tariff and consult a customs representative.
Legal basis and sources
- PUESC: Platform of Electronic Tax and Customs Services (Poland)
- HMRC: UK Trade Tariff (UI)
- GOV.UK: Making an entry summary declaration
If regulations or system notices are updated, check the current guidance on GOV.UK or KAS before submitting a declaration.
Frequently asked questions
What charges does an importer face besides duty and VAT when importing from the United Kingdom?
Besides duty and VAT, an importer can be charged for: storing goods in a customs warehouse, the cost of an ENS (Entry Summary Declaration), a GMR (Goods Movement Reference) fee, any phytosanitary or veterinary inspection costs, and the customs agency's commission. Altogether, additional charges usually range from £50 to £300 per shipment, depending on the type of goods and the port of entry chosen.
Is submitting an ENS declaration chargeable, and how much does it cost?
An ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is mandatory for goods brought into the United Kingdom from outside the UK and must be submitted before loading. The cost of submitting it through a customs agency is usually between £25 and £50 per shipment, and covers the agent's time, access to the ICS2 system, and document record-keeping.
What are the costs of a physical inspection of goods at the UK-EU border?
A documentary check doesn't generate a direct charge for the importer, but it does delay the release of the goods. A physical inspection can involve handling charges at a border warehouse of between £50 and £200. Products of animal origin and plant products also require a veterinary or phytosanitary inspection - the cost of a CHED certificate is between £30 and £120, depending on the border control post.
Who bears the additional costs - the importer or the exporter?
How additional costs are split depends on the agreed delivery terms (Incoterms). Under EXW or FCA terms, all border costs are borne by the buyer (importer). Under DDP terms, all costs - including duty, VAT and additional charges - are covered by the seller (exporter). It's worth setting out Incoterms precisely in the sales contract, since ambiguous wording leads to disputes over who pays.
How do you calculate the total cost of customs clearance, including all additional charges?
The total clearance cost is the sum of: duty (customs value × duty rate), VAT (on the customs value plus duty and freight), the customs agency's commission (£45-150 for an import clearance), the ENS cost (£25-50), the GMR (£15-30), and any inspection charges. When budgeting, it's advisable to add a 10-15% buffer for unforeseen port or storage charges.
Related guides
Have a similar case? Ask a customs agency
Describe the goods or vehicle, the route and timing. We reply on working days, usually the same day.
Something went wrong. Please try again or contact us by email or WhatsApp.