Customs Reporting

Customs reporting, also known as customs declarations, is the legal documentation HMRC relies on to monitor the movement of goods entering and leaving the UK. These declarations are central to international trade as they confirm whether the correct duties and taxes have been paid, ensure compliance with regulations, and keep goods flowing smoothly across borders.

Every business moving goods between countries must complete customs declarations accurately. This can be challenging as customs requirements are complex, often changing, and subject to strict HMRC oversight. Even large companies with established shipping processes can find themselves falling behind, with errors leading to delays, penalties, or missed opportunities to reclaim duty.

The consequences of mistakes should not be underestimated. Under-declaring duty can result in HMRC assessments for duty, VAT, interest, and financial penalties, while over-declaring duty leads to unnecessary costs and reduced profit margins. Penalties alone can start at £250 per import entry and escalate to £2,500 per entry, depending on the severity of the error. With the potential for repeated fines across multiple shipments, even minor mistakes can become expensive very quickly.

By working with The Customs People, you gain expert support to manage customs declarations correctly and efficiently. We don’t just handle compliance - we look for opportunities to save you money, reduce risks, and simplify what can otherwise be a burdensome process.

Contact The Customs People today for practical, experienced advice on UK customs compliance by calling 0161 826 8926 or filling out our online enquiry form.

How can The Customs People help businesses?

At The Customs People, we use over 50 years of combined experience to help businesses manage customs reporting through the Customs Declaration Service, the UK government platform for reporting customs activities. Our staff includes former HMRC officers, so we know how customs decisions are reviewed and what HMRC expects from businesses, giving us the insight to keep your declarations accurate and compliant. This experience not only reduces the risk of penalties but also helps uncover opportunities for legitimate duty savings.

Our services include:

• Guidance on HMRC expectations.
• Advice on what should be declared at customs.
• Help in calculating the duty owed.
• Compiling the correct documentation for specific circumstances.
• Understanding and applying the right commodity codes.
• Troubleshooting HMRC systems error codes.
• Advice on documentation required for inward processing.

By working with us, you benefit from practical, hands-on expertise that makes customs reporting less of a burden. We take care of the details so you can focus on running your business with confidence that your declarations are correct.

FAQs about customs reporting

Can you complete and submit my import and export data?

At The Customs People, we provide detailed guidance on all aspects of customs reporting, but we do not complete or submit the documentation on your behalf. Where businesses need this service, we work with a trusted affiliate who can handle the submission of import and export data directly. This means you benefit from our expertise in compliance and accuracy, while also having access to reliable support for the practical completion of your declarations.

What processes should I implement to audit past customs declarations?

Effective auditing of past customs declarations involves reviewing documentation, checking records against HMRC data and carrying out sample testing to confirm the accuracy of tariff codes, declared values, origins and procedure codes. You should also maintain clear audit trails, investigate discrepancies and review internal controls to confirm staff understand compliance responsibilities.

The Customs People provide full audits of company customs processes, identifying risks, improving efficiency, and strengthening compliance. We also deliver staff training on customs reporting for VAT and excise, helping your team manage reporting requirements with confidence. Get in touch today to discuss how an audit or training could benefit your business.