Customs Value

Customs valuation is the determination of the economic value of goods declared for importation. Together with origin and classification, the customs value provides the basis for assessment of the customs debt, which is often calculated as a percentage of the customs value. For further information, please refer to GOV.UK.

A form of trade agreement between two or more countries. A customs union means they decide not to impose tariffs (taxes on imports) on each other’s goods and agree to impose common external tariffs on goods from countries outside their customs union. Setting common external tariffs is what distinguishes a customs union from a free

These are costs that can be removed from a customs declaration. For example, domestic freight costs, overseas export duties or licence fees, buying commissions, financial arrangements such as a discount for paying early and quantity discounts open to anyone.

This is the unique reference number issued to a business to identify their deferment account. For further information, please refer to the Payments Guide.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). For further information, please refer to GOV.UK.

A customs intermediary acting in the name of, and on behalf of, another business. If an agent acts as a direct representative of the principal, the principal is solely liable for the customs debt. But, if the principal gives clear instructions and the agent makes a deliberate or unreasonable error, the agent may become jointly

An overseas sales partner that buys products, usually in bulk volumes, for resale to individual clients. A distributor will typically generate revenue by negotiating special price rates from the principal and adding their own mark—up to the resale price. A distributor should normally support the principal’s marketing strategy by providing local promotional and sales activities,

Diversion entries are completed to remove goods from special procedures into free circulation and pay any customs duties, import VAT, and/or excise that is due. They are also used to move goods from one regime to another.

Sometimes import controls require proof of the ’economic nationality’ of goods. Usually the local chamber of commerce or Ministry of Trade in the export country authenticates a Certificate of Origin. Sometimes invoice statements may also be permitted.

Goods which have a valid commercial or civilian function, but which could also be used for strategic, or military purposes. They are therefore subject to export controls (see below). Examples of dual—use goods include advanced materials, chemicals or metals, high technology machine tools and instruments, software and other technology. For further information, please refer to