How to renew a customs special procedure authorisation
Apply in writing to HMRC through the usual channel in good time before expiry, after checking that your information remains accurate. Plan shipments around the authorisation end date: goods cannot enter the procedure after it expires. Coordinate factory readiness and shipment decisions with Cambridge China Bridge.
Check the authorisation before planning renewal
HMRC lists outward processing, inward processing, authorised use (end use) and temporary admission as renewable authorisations. Start with the actual approval notification: it gives the duration of a time-limited authorisation. Do not calculate expiry from when your China sourcing programme started.
Keep a shared copy of the approval and appoint someone to own renewal. This guide covers that handover and shipment planning; use our UK customs clearance guide for the wider import process.
Apply before expiry, with time for queries
The authorisation holder is responsible for applying in good time before expiry. HMRC’s renewal page gives no fixed advance application interval. Submit a written renewal application through the usual channel; confirm the appropriate route with your HMRC contact if you are unsure.
Work backwards from expiry using your factory readiness, transport bookings and expected arrival dates. Set an internal submission date that leaves room for questions and corrections. Keep the submitted application, supporting material and correspondence together, and track outstanding queries.
Review the information you submit
HMRC says applicants should check that their information is still accurate and true before submission. As a practical preparation pack, gather the current authorisation, holder details, reference, expiry date, requested continuation and a clear account of changes since approval. These are preparation suggestions, not a prescribed renewal form.
Compare current goods, commodity codes, processing activities, locations and record arrangements with the existing approval. Explain changes rather than copying an old application unchecked. Keep shipment paperwork consistent with the renewal pack; our customs document guide covers those documents.
Agree a plan for any approval gap
HMRC says a business cannot import or otherwise receive goods under the procedure after its authorisation expires. Customs debts or civil penalties may follow. For planning, do not treat submission or an acknowledgement as proof that renewed permission is in force.
Ask your broker to assess each shipment approaching expiry. Agree whether to hold goods at the factory, change the shipment plan or use another confirmed route. HMRC identifies import to free circulation with duty and VAT paid at import as an alternative. Check its suitability and cash requirement before committing; our guide to sourcing, freight and customs roles helps allocate the work.
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Control the handover back to normal shipments
Before resuming planned procedure entries, ask the authorisation owner and broker to check the renewal decision, effective dates and approved scope against the shipment list. Separately list goods already under the procedure and ask how their existing conditions and outstanding actions should be handled.
Cambridge China Bridge’s staff in China can coordinate factory readiness, packing information and agreed shipment holds. Keep the buyer’s renewal owner, broker and sourcing team on the same written release plan, with a named person responsible for telling the factory when to dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I renew my customs authorisation?
HMRC says to apply in good time before expiry but gives no fixed advance interval on its renewal page. Set your submission date around shipment plans and allow room for queries.
How do I apply for customs authorisation renewal?
Submit a written renewal application to HMRC through the usual channel. Check that your information is accurate and true, and confirm the submission route if uncertain.
Can I keep importing while renewal is pending?
You cannot import or receive goods under the procedure after the authorisation expires. Agree a shipment hold or another confirmed customs route with your broker before that happens.
What should I send my sourcing agent?
Share the expiry date, affected order list, broker contact and agreed dispatch instructions. Ask the China team to report factory readiness and obtain your release instruction before shipping.