Our Customs Broker Services
Customs is core to your supply chain and we are here to help keep your business compliant.
Declarations and Documentation
- Import and Export Declaration Filing
We assist with all customs documentation and customs entry requirements, including Customs Declaration Service (CDS) paperwork and submissions. - Permits and Licensing Support
We help clients obtain the correct permits and licenses for customs compliance. - Commodity Code Classification Assistance
We support clients in identifying the correct commodity codes for customs clearance and duty calculations. See our HS code breakdown. - Advance Tariff Ruling (was BTI)
We assist with applications to give certainty on goods classification for customs purposes.
Clearance and Delivery
- Full Customs Clearance and Delivery throughout the UK
We manage the entire customs clearance process in CDS and coordinate timely delivery of goods across the UK. - In-Transit Movements and Transit Procedures (NCTS)
We handle customs procedures for goods passing through the UK using the National Computerised Transit System (NCTS). - Deferment Account Available (DDA)
This provides smoother clearance process when taxes are due. - Postponed VAT Accounting Information (PVA)
We provide guidance on how to use Postponed VAT Accounting, allowing importers to declare VAT on their returns instead of paying it upfront at time of import. See our Blog Articles for more information.
Specialist Advice and Representation
- Advice on Temporary Importation / ATA Carnets
We advise on temporary import procedures and ATA Carnets, including for exhibitions and trade shows. - Fiscal Representation in Europe
Available for UK clients. - Brexit Support
We help clients navigate changes to customs procedures following Brexit. See our Brexit Checklist.
Handling Regulated Goods and Special Procedures
- Products subject to IPAFFS, SPS, Excise
We support the import of regulated goods such as food, feed, plants, excise products and animals, ensuring compliance with relevant controls. - Excise Duty Handling
We assist with customs processes for excise goods, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Compliance and Ongoing Support
- Customs Health Check and Full Management
We conduct customs health checks to assess compliance and can fully manage all customs-related activity on your behalf. - Support in Preparing for a Customs Audit
We can help ensure your business is audit-ready and compliant across every shipment.
If you need tailored support, we can provide managed customs services, audit preparation and expert guidance to keep everything running smoothly. See our blog page for information about CBAM and HS Codes.
Why Choose Us?
We are highly experienced in customs procedures and understand the challenges that come with cross-border trade. By managing customs clearance on your behalf, we help prevent delays, minimise duties and ensure everything is in order. We can also coordinate with your freight providers or manage the full journey for you.
Superior Freight Services is on HMRC’s official register of customs agents and we stay up to date with regulations to ensure your goods move legally and efficiently. We hold full Authorised Economic Operator (AEOC) status, which means HMRC recognises us as a trusted and reliable business. This allows us to use special customs processes that help your goods move more quickly and with fewer checks.
We support businesses across Great Britain - England, Scotland and Wales - as well as Northern Ireland, plus clients involved in cross-border trade across Europe and beyond.
As a freight forwarder, we can also handle road, sea and air transport, as well as express courier services and project cargo, allowing you to keep your logistics and customs all in one place. Visit our About Us page to learn more about who we are and how we work.
What Clients Say About Our Customs Clearance Services
Our clients appreciate the practical support we provide to keep their customs clearance and shipments running smoothly. Here are a few examples of their feedback.
“When we imported a vital shipment from China...Superior Freight handled the clearing at both ends and arranged delivery to our offices...The shipment went incredibly smoothly and arrived on time without delay...because of the efforts and expertise of Superior Freight.”
— Med Aid International
“When the UK left the EU, we needed expert knowledge on all the new customs processes which were in place. We found this and so much more in Superior Freight...they have expertly guided us through many challenges.”
— Redwood Global
“Superior Freight act as our customs broker...they have helped us export to most corners of the world whilst helping us prepare for inward/outward processing relief. We are extremely happy with the level of service received...they are experts in their field and vital to our logistics department.”
— Acquisition Systems / Pharmagraph
“We import from across the EU and...we are safe in the knowledge that all our import requirements are dealt with, in our opinion, by the best. We would highly recommend them!”
— PB Plant Hire Limited
“Right from the start they provided us with all the information and tools we needed to ensure smooth and hassle-free deliveries from the EU. They continue to be our customs broker in the UK to this day and we find them to be indispensable.”
— Henry Colbeck
“We started working with Superior Freight in January 2021 for our Customs Brokerage requirements and we were very impressed with their knowledge and experience...they helped clarify many questions we had regarding import and export declarations and they always put in extra effort during our busy times.”
— Hygeia Chemicals Ltd
Discover more about how we support our clients by reading their full testimonials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does a customs broker charge in the UK?
Costs vary depending on the volume of declarations, the type of goods and any additional services needed. We’ll provide a quote based on your specific requirements.
Q. Do I need a freight forwarder and a clearance agent?
You don’t need both separately. We offer customs brokerage as part of our one-stop shop service. That way, you deal with just one provider.
Q. What is the benefit of using a specialist for customs clearance?
We reduce the risk of delays, penalties and rejected declarations. You receive expert support and confidence that your shipments are handled correctly.
Q. Can you handle high-volume shipments?
We regularly support businesses with multiple or complex shipments and can offer scalable support for customs and freight.
Q. Why is it important to get customs clearance right?
Delays, penalties and unexpected fees are common when customs clearance isn’t handled correctly. But beyond avoiding problems, a good customs broker can also help you streamline operations, improve compliance and reduce hidden costs. Our blog explains how effective customs processes can benefit your business.
Q. Can I manage customs clearance myself?
You can, but it takes time and comes with risks. Using an agent helps avoid errors and delays, particularly if you're dealing with high volumes or unfamiliar and changing regulations. We believe it's better to invest in compliance support than to face the costs of getting it wrong.
Q. Should I centralise all my customs activities with one broker?
Compliance is often treated as an afterthought in the shipping process but it should be a top priority over the actual movement, considering the repercussions if it's wrong. Using a single broker means you benefit from one rate structure, fast and consistent clearance and greater knowledge of your supply chain, allowing us to suggest alternative options and ideas. You’ll have one daily point of contact and in the event of a customs audit, just one company managing the process. Centralising with one customs agent reduces admin errors, simplifies billing and ensures proactive updates on changing regulations and regular reviews. Ultimately, it gives you peace of mind.
Q. What’s the difference between a customs broker and a customs agent?
In most UK contexts, they mean the same thing. Both manage declarations and support the smooth legal movement of goods across borders.
Need support with customs clearance or have a question about our services? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Related Services
Customs clearance is just one part of what we do. We also offer a broader range of logistics services to support your end-to-end supply chain, from express courier solutions to warehousing, project forwarding and tailored consultancy:
- Express courier and scheduled road freight across the UK and Europe
- Air and ocean freight for both FCL and LCL shipments
- Warehousing and distribution solutions to support storage or onward delivery
- Rail parts transport and project forwarding for more specialised movements
- Bespoke consultancy, training and in-transit insurance for added peace of mind
By bringing customs, freight and support services together, we provide a single point of contact to keep your shipments efficient, compliant and on the move.
Looking for a Reliable UK Customs Broker?
If you're looking to find a clearance agent you can trust to move goods smoothly through customs, Superior Freight is here to help. Please get in touch to discuss your next shipment or request a no-obligation quote.