Can I move uncleared imports between UK facilities?
Yes. HMRC allows transfers between temporary-storage facilities through compatible inventory systems or customs transit. Before booking transport, agree the route with both operators and obtain receiving-facility acceptance. Ask for arrival records as well as delivery evidence. Coordinate the factory packing information with Cambridge China Bridge.
Agree the customs movement route
HMRC identifies compatible Community System Provider inventory systems or transit through the New Computerised Transit System as transfer routes. Ask both operators to confirm which route they will use. For a cross-system inventory movement, the systems must exchange data that closes the sending record and opens the receiving record. Ask for confirmation of that capability before booking a vehicle.
Get receiving-facility acceptance
Request written acceptance identifying the premises, consignment, agreed route, arrival slot and contact who will resolve discrepancies. Ask whether the operator can accommodate the cargo dimensions, unloading method and storage conditions. For large tanks, share the lifting and packing details discussed in our steel tanks guide. Treat acceptance as a booking checkpoint; obtain customs release evidence separately.
Check authority before collection
The sending operator must have evidence that customs have authorised release before allowing removal. Ask it to confirm the movement is ready and tell the haulier which documents accompany the load. Have your broker reconcile the consignment references with the customs clearance documents. Agree who handles a refused arrival before the vehicle leaves.
Close the handover with inventory evidence
For movement in temporary storage, the receiving operator must immediately record arrival in its stock account to end the movement and notify the supervising officer of discrepancies. Request the receiving entry alongside the signed delivery receipt. Match package identifiers, quantities, seal details and any damage notes against the dispatch record. For transit, ask the broker for confirmation that the transit movement has ended; see cargo arrived but transit is not discharged.
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Flag movements involving Northern Ireland
Tell the broker if the transfer crosses between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. HMRC says moving temporary-storage goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain needs an import declaration. For uncleared rest-of-world goods moving the other way, UK duty must be paid on arrival or the goods put under duty suspense. Ask the broker to confirm the applicable treatment before accepting a transfer plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can different inventory systems transfer my goods?
Yes, if they can exchange data that closes the sending record and opens the receiving record. Ask both operators to confirm compatibility; otherwise ask your broker about transit.
What should the receiving facility confirm?
Ask for written acceptance naming the premises, consignment, movement route, arrival slot and contact. Also confirm unloading equipment and suitable storage conditions.
Is a signed delivery receipt enough?
Request the receiving stock-account entry as well. HMRC requires immediate arrival recording to end a movement in temporary storage. For transit, ask the broker for movement-ending confirmation.
What if the receiving warehouse refuses the load?
Contact both operators and the broker immediately. Ask them to agree the next action and record the refusal, cargo location and reason. Avoid arranging a substitute destination without their confirmation.