Expert Customs Solutions for Hassle-Free Global Shipping
Customs clearance is a crucial part of international shipping, and with regulations constantly evolving, it can quickly become complex. If not handled correctly, delays and unexpected costs can arise. At PalTank, our in-house customs team brings years of experience in excise clearances and international trade compliance, ensuring your shipments move smoothly across borders.
We specialise in handling a wide range of customs processes, including imports into the UK, exports worldwide, and EMCS declarations. Whether your goods require home use declarations, duty-suspended clearances, or customs warehousing clearances, we have the expertise to manage every step. We also process groupage, full load, and part load shipments, ensuring a tailored approach to your specific needs.
As an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO-C), we are recognised for our reliability and compliance in customs simplifications. Our global network of trusted agents extends across the EU, USA, Australia, and beyond, helping us facilitate customs processes in key international markets.
PalTank supports both small businesses and large-scale importers/exporters, offering a hands-on approach to customs management. While we specialise in wine and spirits logistics, we also handle a variety of other products, including packaging, equipment, syrups, and juice concentrates in IBCs.
Our customs services are just one part of our end-to-end logistics solution. From bulk liquid transport and freight forwarding to insurance and movement guarantee, we provide comprehensive support to make global shipping effortless.
Commercial Paperwork
You supply the invoice and loading documents for the goods being exported/imported.
Transport Details
Your supply transport details and port of exit/entry information.
Customs Processes
We prepare your declaration(s).
Customs Clearance
Your goods are cleared once they arrive at your chosen UK port - that's it.
Let our experienced customs team take the stress out of international shipping. Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your customs needs.
FAQs
What is customs clearance?
Customs clearance refers to the procedure of officially declaring goods as the cross a border, this is applicable to both importation and exportation.
What documents do I need to clear my goods through customs?
For Palfreight to process your declaration to customs, we will need to have a copy of the following documentation:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (Bill of lading/CMR)
Additional documentation may be necessary based on the specific procedure the goods are moving under and commodity code. If you have any uncertainties, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you with the required additional documents.
What is a commodity code?
Commodity codes are internationally recognised reference numbers. It’s a code that describes a specific product to HMRC when importing or exporting goods.
Import declarations into the UK Requires a 10-digit commodity code whereas an export out of the UK only requires an 8-digit commodity code.
What happens after my goods have been customs cleared?
We supply you with copies of all documentation that has been completed on your behalf along with advising on the clearance status of your goods. These documents should be retained for your records and audit trail. Once clearance is complete we can also assist with deliveries to final destination.