Moving uncleared goods from port to inland clearance
Agree the transit procedure and inland destination before collection. Name the operator handling the declaration, arrange guarantee cover and ask for customs discharge evidence as well as delivery confirmation. Coordinate the factory paperwork with Cambridge China Bridge.
Agree the procedure before booking collection
HMRC describes UK national transit as moving goods between UK locations with duty suspended. For China-sourced goods arriving at a UK port, ask the forwarder to confirm whether this is the proposed procedure and identify the inland receiving facility. Put that answer in the transport instructions before booking collection.
Ask whether the goods will start a UK transit movement at the port or arrive with a transit movement already open. Have the operator explain the route it proposes. Our UK customs clearance guide covers the import declaration and release stage; this guide covers the move before inland clearance.
Name the operator and separate the jobs
Ask for the name of the transit procedure holder, the declaration provider, the guarantee provider, the haulier and the inland receiving operator. Record who will monitor the movement and resolve missing discharge evidence. Avoid an instruction that merely says the forwarder will handle everything.
For common transit, HMRC allows the procedure holder to submit the declaration through its computerised transit system or appoint a representative. HMRC also identifies the haulier as responsible for delivery and presentation to customs. Use our guide to sourcing agents, forwarders and customs brokers when agreeing the appointments.
Check the guarantee arrangement
A transit guarantee provides security for duties that may become payable if the movement is not discharged properly. Ask the operator whose guarantee will cover the shipment, how it has checked the cover and who will investigate an outstanding movement. Request written confirmation before collection.
Ask the quote to separate transit administration, guarantee arrangements, inland handling, import clearance and delivery. Check who bears additional storage or investigation costs under your agreement. Treat guarantee cover as a separate question from cargo insurance.
Give the driver and inland operator matching instructions
Send the destination address, receiving contact, transit reference and any seal details to both the haulier and the inland operator. Ask the operator to confirm the presentation arrangements, unloading instructions and movement deadline. Check the invoice, packing list and transport document against the shipment using our customs paperwork guide.
For a movement arriving under common transit, HMRC tells the haulier to wait for confirmation that the goods are cleared or require inspection. Put the waiting and escalation arrangements in the driver’s instructions. Ask who the driver should contact if the receiving facility cannot process the arrival.
Close the file with discharge and clearance evidence
HMRC says the guarantee is released when the transit movement is discharged. Ask the declaration provider for a system status record or customs confirmation linked to your shipment’s transit reference, plus confirmation of guarantee release. Keep the receiving receipt alongside those records; use it to confirm delivery rather than as your only discharge evidence.
Transit discharge and import clearance should be checked separately. HMRC’s instructions include declaring the goods to free circulation or another customs procedure. Ask the inland broker for the corresponding declaration and release evidence. If the operator reports an unresolved transit movement, request a named case owner and reconcile the arrival records before closing your shipment file.
Frequently asked questions
Can uncleared China imports move inland from a UK port?
UK national transit provides for movement between UK locations with duty suspended. Ask your operator to confirm the procedure, receiving facility and collection arrangements for your shipment.
Who should arrange the transit declaration?
Name the procedure holder and declaration provider before collection. For common transit, the holder can submit the declaration or appoint a representative. Record who will monitor discharge.
Does transit mean I do not pay import duty?
National transit suspends duty during the movement. It does not establish final import release. Agree the inland clearance arrangements with your broker; the customs clearance guide explains the tax stage.
Is a signed delivery receipt proof of transit discharge?
Do not rely on it alone. Ask for a system status record or customs confirmation linked to the transit reference and confirmation of guarantee release. Keep the receipt as supporting delivery evidence.