Compliance
Customs Clearance
First Base Freight is a licensed customs brokerage handling HS code classification, duty and tax calculation, import and export documentation, entry and ISF filing, and bonded warehousing — at both ends of the lane.
What does customs clearance involve?
Customs clearance means declaring your goods to the authority at each border: classifying them to an HS code, calculating the duty and import VAT due, and filing the entry. As a licensed brokerage we handle it at both origin and destination, including any queries or holds the authority raises.
What our brokerage covers
Documents you'll need
Add customs clearance as an add-on to any shipment on the quote form, on imports and exports alike.
Also available
Complete the move with our other services
Cargo Insurance
All-risk marine and air cargo cover for the declared value of your goods, arranged at quote stage on any lane.
View serviceWarehousing
Bonded and general storage at origin and destination, with pick, pack and onward distribution.
View serviceRoRo
Roll-on/roll-off shipping for cars, vans, trucks, plant and any self-propelled or wheeled equipment.
View serviceDoor to Door
Collection at the shipper's premises and delivery to the consignee's door, with everything between handled by us.
View serviceProject Cargo
Out-of-gauge, heavy-lift and breakbulk consignments that will not travel in a standard container.
View serviceAsk about any of these when you request a quote or get in touch.
Customs clearance: common questions
What does a customs broker actually do?
A customs broker classifies your goods to an HS code, calculates the duty and tax due, prepares and files the customs entry, and handles queries from the authority on your behalf. Getting the classification right is the part that matters financially: the code sets the duty rate, and the wrong one either overpays for years or creates an underpayment the authority can reclaim retrospectively.
How much duty and VAT will I pay on an import?
Duty is a percentage of the customs value set by the HS code of the goods and their country of origin; VAT is then charged on the total of the customs value, the duty and the freight cost. Because both depend on classification and origin, an accurate figure needs the actual commodity — we calculate it at quote stage rather than quoting a rate of thumb that turns out wrong at the border.
What happens if my shipment is held at customs?
Most holds are documentary — a missing certificate, a classification query or a value the authority wants substantiated — and are cleared by supplying the evidence. We handle the correspondence and tell you what is needed. The cost of a hold is rarely the fine; it is the demurrage and detention accruing on the container while it sits, which is why we chase these the day they arise.
Do I need an EORI number to import or export?
Yes, for UK and EU trade any business moving goods commercially needs an EORI number, and customs entries cannot be filed without one. Registration is free and usually issued within a few working days. If you do not have one we will tell you at booking, not when the vessel arrives.
Need customs handled on your next shipment?
Any country to any country, import or export — send us the origin, destination and cargo details and we'll come back with a competitive rate within one business day.