The UK economy relies on importing and exporting goods, but this can be a minefield for UK businesses. From delays to mistakes, customs clearance can cost companies dearly if they don’t get it right. In fact, a poll compiled by The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) suggested that 1 in 10 businesses indicated that delays of just 10 minutes could push them into bankruptcy. Implementing the services of a bonded warehouse can reduce delays and errors in the customs process, save businesses time and money, and protect their futures.

Bonded warehousing facilities, like those at GWS, help to streamline the import process to reduce risk for businesses bringing goods in from other countries. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the common customs clearance mistakes and how GWS can help with our customs bonded warehouse.

5 Common Customs Clearance Mistakes

Mistake 1 - Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Paperwork can be time-consuming and confusing, and getting it wrong can cause a lot of problems. Unfinished or incorrect documentation will result in goods being held up at the port or even being rejected and sent back. It is essential that commercial invoices, packing lists and HS codes are all supplied in good order; otherwise, consignments will not be released for onward travel.

How bonded warehouses help. Using a bonded warehouse gives your company a 90-day deferment on submitting documentation and paying duties and VAT. This gives your business time to ensure that all your paperwork is in order, meaning you are less likely to suffer from goods being rejected at the port.

Mistake 2 - Misclassification of Goods

HS Codes, or Harmonised System Codes, are an internationally recognised way of classifying goods to determine the relevant taxes and tariffs applicable for that product. Classifying your goods incorrectly could result in heavy penalties or even overpaying. Either way, this is going to either penalise your company, risking future business or reduce your margins through overpayment.

How bonded warehouses help. Bonded warehouses either employ or are partnered with customs houses, which will provide assistance with identifying goods correctly. Using customs professionals who will double-check classifications before your duties are paid.

Mistake 3 - Poor Planning around Customs Duties and VAT

Paying customs duties and VAT upfront can adversely affect your business’s cash flow. Ideally, you don’t want to have to make payments against goods that haven’t been sold yet.

How bonded warehouses help. The 90-day deferment period available to your business while goods are held in bond means that you have that time available to you before you have to pay any duties or tax. This gives you time to sell your goods BEFORE you have to make any payments against them.

Mistake 4 - Failing to Comply with Licensing or Regulatory Requirements

Certain goods fall under specific regulatory control and need to be declared as such. Items like alcohol, cigarettes and pharmaceutical goods come under strict import controls. If they are not stated correctly, they could be held indefinitely, returned or even destroyed, costing your business a lot of time and money.

How bonded warehouses help. Bonded warehouses work alongside customs clearance experts who have industry-specific knowledge to avoid potential issues. Customs specialists also have the expertise to work towards resolving any disputes if they arise. During any possible conflicts, goods are held safely in bonded warehousing until they are ready to be released, meaning the risk of them being held for lengthy periods or being returned is reduced.

Mistake 5 - Choosing the Wrong Logistics Partner

Your chosen warehousing and logistics partner will have an impact on your whole supply chain. Choose the wrong partner, and you’ll find your business being hit with delays and additional costs.

How bonded warehouses help. You can be sure that an efficient customs bonded warehouse with a proficient customs clearance team behind it will understand the needs of your importing requirements. However, bonded warehousing is just about customs clearance; they will provide a clean, well-organised storage solution that will keep your supply chain running smoothly.

Bonded Warehousing Helps You Avoid Costly Mistakes

The UK relies heavily on the import and export industry; to make your business successful, it is essential to make your supply chain as efficient as possible. Cutting out delays and unexpected charges makes companies more profitable. This is where bonded warehouses can have a real positive impact on your import business.

Bonded warehousing gives you a secure and convenient space to store your imported goods, away from the port, while you deal with customs formalities. The benefits of using a bonded warehouse save your business from costly mistakes that can have a real negative impact on your future.

Customs experts working with bonded warehouses give you the power of their knowledge to ensure that you are paying the right duties at the right time. The 90-day deferment period not only gives you an opportunity to organise paperwork but also improves your cash flow by deferring any payments until your goods are sold and ready to move.

A secure and convenient Bonded Warehouse in Immingham

The Port of Immingham is the largest port in the UK by tonnage, moving 46 million tonnes in 2024. GWS has a secure bonded warehousing facility situated within 1 mile of the Port of Immingham. Being in such close proximity to a major UK port helps your business access premium warehousing space within minutes of leaving the port, maximising the driving time of your logistics.

If you are importing goods from outside of the UK, you need a bonded warehouse that you can trust. Ensure that your chosen storage and warehousing solution is fully approved by UKWA and HMRC to give you the confidence that your goods are handled and cleared correctly. GWS has teamed up with GB Customs Clearance Ltd, who work on-site for fast and convenient customs clearance.

If you need reliable storage with the expertise for comprehensive customs clearance, speak to the team at GWS for a free quote today.