Logistics & customs

Getting goods made is half the job. The other half is moving them, clearing them and paying the right amount of duty and VAT — and that is where costs and delays usually appear.

These guides cover choosing between sea and air, what lead times really look like door to door, who is responsible for what under each incoterm, how UK customs clearance works, and the tax and reporting duties that land on you as importer.

Central or regional warehouses for China stock?Compare central and regional warehouses for China imports by delivery coverage, duplicated safety stock, replenishment transfers and batch visibility.4 min readHow to calculate the customs rate of yieldCalculate input-to-output ratios for Chinese materials processed in the UK, separating processing tasks, main products and by-products.2 min readCan I buy Chinese goods after UK inspection?Check when Temporary Admission allows inspection before purchase, what checks are excluded, and how to clear Chinese goods for permanent UK retention.3 min readFailed home delivery: who pays the extra charges?Check who should pay redelivery or storage charges after a failed home delivery from China, and what evidence to request before disputing the bill.4 min readDelivery crew damaged my home: what should I do?What to record when a delivery crew damages your floors, walls or driveway, who to contact, and how to pursue a UK complaint or insurance claim.4 min readCustoms value with coupons, discounts and cashbackBuying trial stock with a coupon, supplier discount or cashback? Check the customs value and prepare payment evidence for your courier.4 min readDoes each China parcel get a duty allowance?Check whether your China parcels form a single consignment, document separate dispatches and confirm duty and VAT with your carrier.3 min readHow to arrange retail waste battery collectionArrange collection of retail take-back batteries, check safe storage with your scheme, and understand what to check before transporting them yourself.3 min readArrange free waste automotive battery collectionA practical guide for UK automotive battery producers: handle collection requests, publish instructions and check approved recycling operators.2 min readFactory trial pallet approval for UK retailersApprove a factory trial pallet against your retailer's current manual, label template and booking brief, then retain evidence for deductions.4 min readWhen must I amend my customs authorisation?Changing imported goods, processing sites or stock software? Learn what to tell HMRC and how to keep operational changes within your authorisation.3 min readWhose UKIMS authorisation covers NI parcels?Choose the sender or receiver as importer, give your carrier matching UKIMS details, and arrange full customs declarations when needed.2 min readWho secures pallets for UK retailer delivery?Clarify warehouse, consignor, haulier and driver responsibilities for pallet security, load information and checks before retailer delivery.3 min readCan I buy a dog or cat in China and bring it to UK?Before buying a dog or cat in China, confirm the UK import route, check the seller and vet records, and agree transport and border arrangements.4 min readWhen to apply for an Advance Valuation RulingLearn when to seek an HMRC valuation ruling and how to prepare transaction details, supplier agreements and supporting documents.3 min readWhen should I apply for an Advance Origin Ruling?Resolve uncertain customs origin before repeat imports: when to seek an HMRC ruling, what factory evidence to collect and how to apply.3 min readSigned delivery note: can I claim for hidden damage?Signed for a China purchase as received in good condition? Learn what to record, how to preserve evidence and how to raise a UK consumer claim.4 min readCan buyers test goods outside a customs warehouse?Plan a wholesale buyer viewing outside a customs warehouse: prior HMRC permission, nearby supervision, movement records and forbidden venues.3 min readChina parcels: parcel broker or direct courier?Compare broker and direct courier bookings for China parcels. Check who you contract with, prohibited contents, compensation and who pursues claims.4 min readInsects in furniture or crates from China: what now?Contain suspected insects in China-made furniture or shipping crates, photograph the evidence and arrange plant-health advice before treatment.4 min readCan I use UKIMS before approval?Check when UKIMS authorisation starts, whether earlier shipments qualify, and how to correct mistaken risk declarations for Northern Ireland goods.2 min readHow to upload documents for a CDS holdChoose the right declaration reference, prepare customs files, follow HMRC queries and retain evidence of uploads and replies for a CDS hold.3 min readUKIMS: China imports and final destinationsCompare UKIMS end-consumption conditions for direct China imports and goods arriving from Great Britain, and prepare destination evidence.2 min readUKIMS entry in records for regular NI deliveriesCheck whether UKIMS entry in records suits regular Northern Ireland deliveries, including authorisation, records and goods movement references.3 min readUKIMS: what records prove goods were not at risk?Link each UKIMS consignment to sales, delivery or installation evidence, reconcile split stock and keep records accessible for five years.3 min readCourier form allows one code for mixed goodsSending a mixed trial parcel from China? Prepare item descriptions and values, then confirm the courier's declaration route before dispatch.4 min readUK warehouse ordering system down: what to agreeAgree a warehouse outage plan covering approved manual orders, duplicate dispatch checks, customer priorities and reconciliation before restart.4 min readWhat dispatch authority should I give my UK warehouse?Set clear dispatch authority for your UK warehouse: authorised contacts, order changes, cancellation cut-offs, substitutions and exceptional work.3 min readHMRC or Border Force parcel complaint: how to complainFind who handled your delayed China parcel, keep evidence and escalate an HMRC or Border Force service complaint separately from a tax challenge.4 min readUK depot refused my empty container: what now?Get return authorisation, record the depot's refusal, request an approved alternative and keep acceptance evidence to check detention charges.3 min readTrader Goods Profile: reduce repeat GB-to-NI paperworkUse a Trader Goods Profile for repeat GB-to-NI movements: match product references, check Chinese origin and codes, update records and ask couriers.3 min readCan I change delivery details after China dispatch?How to request a UK address or recipient change after a personal China order ships, check customs details and confirm rerouting costs in writing.3 min readHow to test a warehouse for retail deliveriesTest a UK logistics provider with a retail trial order, booking, dispatch notice, pallet labels and receipt evidence before appointing it.3 min readTemporarily importing China demo goods into GBCheck temporary admission eligibility for China-sourced demonstration goods, agree permitted use, and organise identification and re-export records.3 min readTemperature-controlled shipping from ChinaArrange temperature-controlled transport from China with product limits, tested packaging, shipment monitoring and clear handover decisions.4 min readStone worktop transport and unloadingPlan stone worktop delivery with specialist rack approval, slab identification, lifting access and inspection agreed before installation.3 min readChinese invoice and packing list: what should I do?Ask for checked English versions of Chinese supplier invoices and packing lists, preserve originals and confirm acceptance with your UK broker.4 min readShipping dangerous goods with ordinary goodsPlan mixed shipments from China with transport classification, written carrier acceptance, compatible packing and coordinated shipping documents.3 min readISPM15 marks: check China shipments before dispatchCheck wooden pallets, crates and loose dunnage before a China shipment leaves: treatment marks, packing photographs and records for Great Britain.3 min readShipment held for wood packaging: what should I do?Read the plant-health notice, stop unauthorised movement and agree how to treat, replace or dispose of wooden packaging on a held China shipment.4 min readHow to ship fabric rolls without damageProtect usable fabric during shipping with agreed roll supports, strong cores, edge guards, crease checks and labels for receiving.4 min readCan my repeat China order fit into Amazon UK FBA?Check your Amazon UK FBA capacity, existing and inbound stock, packed volume and UK reserve storage before paying for a repeat China order.4 min readSending GB stock to Northern Ireland consumersSend China-made goods from GB stock to Northern Ireland consumers: check carrier authorisation, parcel data, restricted goods and UKIMS.3 min readSeller says my China return was empty: what now?Challenge an empty-box or wrong-item return claim with serial numbers, packing evidence, carrier acceptance weights and investigation records.4 min readCan I return different sellers' orders together?Check which marketplace orders each return label covers, get approval before combining sellers' items, and keep proof for every returned item.4 min readReturn a CITES-controlled purchase to ChinaReturning a personal purchase with controlled wood, shell or skin to China: identify the item, arrange UK paperwork and confirm carrier acceptance.3 min readHow long can goods stay in UK temporary storage?Track the UK temporary storage deadline, declaration reference and release evidence while arranging a customs procedure or re-export.3 min readTemporary storage and customs warehouse at one siteCheck whether your UK logistics site has both storage approvals, which areas they cover and how goods enter customs warehousing.3 min readCan I take a China-bought battery on a UK flight?Check a China-bought power bank or spare hobby battery before a UK departure: ratings, condition, cabin packing and airline approval.3 min readWhen to apply for an Advance Valuation RulingUnderstand when customs valuation uncertainty warrants a ruling, what evidence HMRC needs and how to use the decision for future imports.3 min readWho bears risk if I book my own China courier?Buying personally from China? Check when booking your own courier shifts transit risk, what collection evidence to keep and how to prepare a claim.4 min readCan returned sofas be reused or are they waste?Check returned upholstered seating in England before collection: assess condition, record reuse intentions and handle pollutant restrictions.3 min readCan I order an air rifle or air pistol from China?Before paying for a China-made air weapon, check its UK classification, import permission, possession rules, buyer age and delivery route.4 min readUK retailer refused delivery: what should I do?Get the refusal reason in writing, secure stock custody, agree permitted corrections and rebook delivery while checking any proposed charges.4 min readCan a replacement arrive before I return faulty goods?Check UK standard exchange rules before a replacement machine or part ships: prior importation, security, identification and broker approval.3 min readCan my UK warehouse repair goods under customs control?Check whether warehouse repairs qualify as permitted handling, when inward processing is needed, and how to re-enter repaired stock afterwards.3 min readCan I import used electrical items from China?Buying used electrical equipment from China for a hobby? Gather function tests, intended-use records and packing evidence before shipping.3 min readHow to read a commercial invoice for UK importsCheck seller and buyer details, invoice references, goods, quantities, prices and delivery terms, then find gaps in your valuation evidence.3 min readCan I import feathers, fur or wool from China?Check species, treatment, animal-health conditions and CITES before ordering feathers, fur or untreated wool from China for crafts.3 min readCan factory plastic bags go into Amazon UK FBA?Check current Amazon UK bag instructions, sealing, thickness, warnings and barcode scans before approving a packed sample for your trial batch.4 min readHow to test liquid toiletry shipping packsQualify liquid toiletry packs for closure leaks, changing orientation, pressure, temperature and containment, then inspect after transport trials.4 min readHow to test LED luminaire shipping packsQualify LED luminaire packaging with representative transport trials, checking diffuser damage, loose components, abrasion and operation.4 min readCan a pallet be delivered home without a forklift?Check tail-lift booking, kerbside limits, lorry access and the route into storage before arranging your first imported pallet delivery.4 min readHow to qualify glass mirror packagingCheck mirror edge protection, surface separation, frame restraint and crate orientation, then inspect after representative handling trials.4 min readShould I accept a partial factory shipment?Decide whether ready goods can work alone, whether the factory can finish the balance, and whether splitting delivery is worth the extra cost.4 min readPrevent mould on wooden furniture during shippingPlan moisture checks, finish-safe wrapping, desiccants and arrival inspection to protect wooden furniture shipped from China by sea.4 min readHow to prepare a mixed-SKU pallet for a UK retailerPrepare mixed-SKU pallets using your retailer's segregation instructions, carton mapping, contents reports and written exception approvals.3 min readSafe manual handling of imported goodsAgree individual pack weights, grip points and packing changes with your factory before shipping goods to your UK receiving site.3 min readHow to pack garments for sea freightPrepare garments for sea freight with dry packing, dye-transfer checks, trim protection and recovery trials before approving compressed cartons.4 min readCan I clear part of a temporary storage shipment?Check HMRC’s whole-consignment requirement and give your broker a quantity reconciliation before planning partial clearance from temporary storage.3 min readWhy is my customs package count different?Understand why packing lists and customs entries show different counts, how packaging levels work, and how to check shared packages.3 min readPacking upholstered furniture for container shippingPrepare sofas and chairs for container shipping with abrasion protection, cushion recovery trials, protected feet and approved stacking plans.4 min readAmazon UK trial batch: fulfil yourself or use FBA?Compare Amazon UK fees, packing work, delivery promises and returns before choosing self-fulfilment, FBA or a split trial batch.4 min readPacking ceramic tableware for mixed sea shipmentsPrepare mixed ceramic tableware shipments with fitted separators, compression checks, planned pallet positions and a recorded arrival review.3 min readCan we export before replacement components arrive?Check whether inward processing prior-export equivalence can cover an urgent order, what authorisation needs to cover and when replacements must arrive.3 min readCan I open cartons in temporary storage?Check when cartons can be opened in temporary storage, why relabelling and order splitting need a different plan, and what to ask your operator.3 min readCan I move uncleared imports between UK facilities?Check the inventory or transit route, receiving facility acceptance and arrival records before moving uncleared China imports between UK facilities.2 min readMove stock between UK customs warehousesMoving China-made stock between UK customs warehouses: check authorisations, who declares the transfer and what movement evidence to keep.3 min readChina return deadline: posting or arrival?Check whether your cancelled China purchase must be posted or received by the deadline, and keep dated evidence for the seller or marketplace.4 min readChina parcel arrived after a refund: what now?Tell the seller when a refunded China parcel arrives, agree collection or a purchase, and update any open card dispute with delivery evidence.3 min readReturnable pallets for UK retailer deliveriesAgree pallet schemes, account responsibilities and transfer records before retailer delivery, then resolve rejections and reconcile balances.3 min readHow to prevent and challenge container chargesCheck free time, track release dependencies and keep empty-return evidence to prevent and challenge demurrage, detention and storage charges.4 min readImported event stock arrived too late: what now?Handle imported event stock that arrives too late: stop onward deliveries, compare reuse and storage, and preserve evidence for a UK claim.4 min readKitchenware order switched to air: what to recheckSwitching controlled kitchenware from sea to air? Recheck the entry point, arrival notice and matching documents before confirming the flight.3 min readTracking delivered but not my parcel: what do I do?Challenge a tracking number that may belong to another parcel: confirm the destination, preserve delivery discrepancies and submit a non-delivery claim.4 min readImport records to keep for an HMRC checkKeep import declarations linked to valuation workings, broker instructions, purchase orders and payments so you can answer an HMRC check.3 min readIs AEO status worth it for UK importers?Assess whether AEO status suits your UK importing business, which authorisation to choose, and what evidence to prepare before applying.3 min readInward processing: records and re-exportCan UK manufacturers use inward processing for Chinese components? Check authorisation, stock reconciliation and discharge before importing.2 min readInward processing: checks before importing componentsCheck inward processing authorisation, component traceability and discharge duties before importing Chinese parts for UK manufacturing.3 min readInward processing for materials from ChinaCheck inward processing for China-sourced materials: authorisation, batch records, processing yields and evidence needed to discharge the procedure.4 min readHow to increase your duty deferment guarantee waiverPrepare a seasonal duty deferment waiver increase: amend your account, assemble financial evidence and monitor usage against your approved limit.4 min readCourier bulk clearance: BIRDS, VAT and recordsCheck whether your small stock parcel qualifies for BIRDS, how VAT should be handled and which shipment records to request from your courier.4 min readHow to read an air waybillRead house and master air waybill references, airport codes, weights and freight charges, and keep transport billing separate from customs data.4 min readCan I book my own courier for China samples?Book your own courier for China samples: confirm packed measurements, factory collection, invoice, clearance instructions and secure account access.4 min readWhy do I have a house and master bill of lading?Match house and master bills of lading to their issuers, cargo and references, then confirm your UK agent’s clearance and collection instructions.3 min readHMRC value evidence for multiple invoicesPrepare a goods-item summary for HMRC when a shipment has several invoices, reconcile currencies and values, and organise supporting documents.3 min readHow to handle an HMRC post-clearance customs visitPrepare for an HMRC customs visit: organise accounts and contracts, arrange access and adviser support, request extra time and track findings.3 min readHow to protect heavy machinery during transportPlan moving-part restraints, centre-of-gravity drawings, corrosion protection and safe unpacking checks for heavy machinery shipped from China.4 min readContainer arrived wet or mouldy: what to doHow UK importers can isolate wet or mouldy cargo, record unloading evidence, arrange a survey and decide on salvage while notifying the right parties.4 min readContainer fumes: when is unloading safe?What UK receiving teams should do about suspected container fumes: restrict access, arrange competent assessment and authorise unloading safely.3 min readHaulier will miss a retailer delivery slot: what now?Handle a missed UK retailer delivery slot: check notification deadlines, confirm who can rebook, arrange safe holding and approve extra charges.3 min readHow to get and join HMRC import reportsRequest HMRC import header, goods-item and tax-line reports, match declaration references, and check shipment data without counting totals twice.3 min readGB customs warehouse stock to Northern IrelandCheck why China-made stock under customs duty suspense cannot use simplified GB to Northern Ireland movements, and agree the route before dispatch.2 min readFreight forwarder holding cargo: what can I do?Check the forwarder's terms, claimed lien and disputed invoices, then negotiate written release arrangements and seek urgent legal advice.4 min readUK customs value for free replacement goodsHow to declare free replacements and goods supplied at no charge, with valuation evidence and checks before your UK customs agent files.3 min readWhen your forwarder outsources UK customs clearanceAgree who files your customs declaration, how instructions reach them, how broker changes are approved and how you obtain clearance records.3 min readFood consignment failed UK border checks: what next?Get the written refusal, check whether correction is permitted, and arrange authorised re-dispatch or destruction with a clear evidence trail.3 min readCan I post dog treats from China to the UK?Check pet food and dog chews from China before posting: ingredient restrictions, personal-use exceptions, documents and carrier acceptance.4 min readMissing item in a combined marketplace parcelMatch each purchase to its parcel, preserve packaging and weight evidence, and submit separate claims for missing items from combined orders.4 min readReturn lost using the seller's prepaid label?Check acceptance scans, identify who booked the return carrier, preserve proof of posting and escalate a missing refund to your payment provider.4 min readCan I import potting soil from China?Check Chinese potting soil, bonsai substrates and growing media by composition, then resolve plant-health restrictions before dispatch.4 min readF-gas paperwork for precharged equipment importsPrepare GB import paperwork for HFC-precharged fridges and heat pumps: annual quantities, quota authorisations, declarations and verification.4 min readHow to renew Border Force brand protectionRenew your Border Force application with the right reference, current rights evidence and updated details of your China-made products and packaging.3 min readCan I import a knife or sword from China?Check UK knife and sword import bans, the exact blade design, adult delivery arrangements and the difference between ownership and public carrying.3 min readCan I import hobby chemicals from China?Check exact chemicals, concentrations, public-access restrictions, EPP licensing and carrier acceptance before ordering from China.4 min readHow to establish customs origin for China importsCheck manufacturing evidence, imported components and onward routing against UK non-preferential origin rules, and know when to seek a ruling.3 min readCan I import fireworks from China for private use?Check firework category, UK approvals, dangerous-goods transport, storage and local display rules before paying a Chinese factory.3 min readImport a Chinese electric moped for UK road useCheck vehicle approval before buying a Chinese electric moped or motorcycle, then arrange customs, HMRC notification, registration and insurance.4 min readHow much stock should I send by emergency air?Calculate the stock gap while sea freight is delayed, choose an emergency air quantity and compare its extra cost with contribution preserved.4 min readDoes my warehouse need HMRC fulfilment approval?Check whether your stock arrangement needs HMRC fulfilment approval, including overseas ownership, storage for others and your own goods.3 min read