UK Customs Clearance
ACC Worldwide provides reliable UK customs clearance services, handling import and export declarations accurately and compliantly. We help businesses move goods smoothly, assisting HMRC. Reducing delays, risk, and administrative burden to keep supply chains moving.
Expert Import & Export Customs Support
At ACC Worldwide, we provide professional UK customs clearance services for importers and exporters moving goods to and from the United Kingdom.
Whether you are shipping by sea, air, road or courier, our experienced customs team ensures your declarations are completed accurately, compliantly, and without unnecessary delays, helping your cargo move smoothly through HMRC controls.
We support UK-based and international traders across a wide range of industries, from one-off shipments to high-volume, repeat movements.
Our UK Customs Clearance Services
We provide end-to-end customs support, including:
- Import and export customs declarations (UK)
- CDS (Customs Declaration Service replacement to CHIEF)
- Customs clearance for air, sea, road, and courier shipments
- Commodity code guidance
- Customs valuation support
- Origin declarations and preference claims
- Duty and Import VAT management
- Liaison with HMRC on queries or inspections
- Compliance-focused customs advisory support
Our approach combines technical accuracy, commercial awareness, and clear communication, so you always know where your shipment stands.
Who Pays Customs Duty and Import VAT
The importer or exporter is responsible for payment of:
- Customs duty
- Import VAT
- Excise duty (where applicable)
Where agreed, ACC Shipping Limited can arrange payment to HMRC using our deferment account or another approved method, and then invoice you accordingly.
Why Choose ACC Worldwide for Customs Clearance?
- UK-based customs expertise
- Strong compliance and audit-ready processes
- Clear explanations with no jargon overload
- Integrated with your freight movements
- Suitable for SMEs through to established traders
- Support for both UK and international clients
We don’t just submit entries, we help you understand your customs position and reduce risk.
Need Help With UK Customs?
If you’re unsure whether Direct Representation is right for your business, or you need support with UK customs clearance, our team is happy to advise.
Contact ACC Worldwide today to discuss your shipment, compliance requirements, or ongoing customs support.
Direct Representation
UK Customs Overview
When importing or exporting goods to or from the UK, customs declarations must be submitted to HMRC. Many businesses appoint a customs agent to complete these declarations on their behalf.
One of the most common ways we act for clients is under Direct Representation.
What is Direct Representation?
Direct Representation means that ACC Shipping Limited submits customs declarations in the name of and on behalf of the importer or exporter.
In simple terms:
- We prepare and submit the customs entry
- HMRC treats the importer/exporter as the declarant
- The importer/exporter remains responsible for the information provided
This is the standard arrangement for most compliant UK traders.
Why do you need to sign a Direct Representation letter?
HMRC requires customs agents to have clear written authority before submitting declarations on behalf of a trader.
A signed Direct Representation authorisation:
- Confirms we have permission to act for you
- Confirms the importer/exporter details
- Confirms the EORI numbers being used
- Supports compliance with UK customs regulations and AEO standards
Without written authority, customs declarations cannot be legally submitted.
Who is responsible for the information on the declaration?
Under Direct Representation, the importer or exporter is responsible for ensuring that all information supplied is accurate, including (but not limited to):
- Commodity codes
- Customs value and invoice amounts
- Incoterms® (e.g. FOB, CFR, CIF)
- Country of origin
- Licences or permits
- Any applicable restrictions or prohibitions
We apply due diligence, sense-checking, and provide guidance where needed, but the trader must ultimately confirm the accuracy of the details.
Get a quotation
We'll provide advice and fast-turnaround quotations for all your needs.