Know what’s needed, when, and why.
We make customs compliance simple, ensuring accurate entries, correct codes, and right-first-time paperwork. We work across all UK ports and airports to reduce the risk of holds, fines, and surprise costs.
Customs clearance shouldn’t be a guessing game.
We review your documents up front, validate HS codes, and file accurate entries so releases happen promptly at ports and airports. When questions come from authorities, we handle the back‑and‑forth and keep you in the loop with clear next steps, expected timelines, and costs, so you can plan with confidence.
Why choose CECL for customs clearance?
CECL makes it simple...
Whether you’re an experienced shipper or new to freight forwarding, our four-step process makes the experience straightforward and hassle-free.
Get in touch
Tell us about dims/weight, stackability, commodity, any hazards, and your ideal ETA.
Discover your options
We’ll identify optimal services and provide a clear view of trade-offs between transit time and cost.
We manage every step
Our expert team will handle origin, bookings, VGM, customs, and on‑carriage shipping.
You stay informed
You’ll get real-time updates at each milestone through to deconsolidation and final delivery.
FAQs aboutcustoms clearance
If you don’t find the answer to your question,
drop us a message.
The two most essential items are the commercial invoice and the packing list. Then, depending on what you’re shipping, you may need to add licences, origin statements, and certificates. We’ll give you a personalised checklist based on your goods and Incoterms. Our team can also pre-check your documents to minimise the risk of holds and delays.
Yes, we can help ensure the correct HS codes are applied – we just need you to supply the product specs, materials, and end‑use. Our team have decades of experience in the industry, and we’ll reference rulings, country-specific policy and Binding Tariff Information as needed to ensure smooth customs clearance
In many cases, it’s within the same day, assuming that we have comprehensive and accurate documentation and there’s no requirement for inspection of the goods. Naturally, for shipments involving controlled goods, timelines can be longer, and there’s also the possibility of random checks. Whatever happens, we’ll keep you updated as to the progress of your shipment in real time, so you have as much notice as possible of when your goods will clear customs.
Yes, as part of our fully managed service, our team can coordinate VAT or duty requirements for you. We can use your deferment, postponed VAT accounting, or duty relief schemes – in which case we’ll confirm setup details and permissions with you before filing.
Freight forwarding that puts the client first. Straightforward, reliable shipping and customs clearance via LCL, FCL, air and road, with a named contact keeping you updated at every stage.