Air Freight Customs Clearance
for Imports & Exports
ACS Air Freight coordinates customs clearance alongside air cargo movements, helping align documentation, shipment data and operational handling for UK imports and exports.
From commercial paperwork and commodity data through to import release and export declarations, our team helps keep air freight moving through the correct customs process.
Air Freight Customs Clearance
Air freight customs clearance depends on accurate shipment data, correct commercial documentation and alignment with the operational movement of the cargo.
ACS Air Freight supports both import and export customs requirements, coordinating clearance activity alongside airline, terminal and handling processes.
Customs Support for Air Freight
We help align documents, shipment data and customs declarations with the movement of your air cargo.
Import Customs Clearance
- UK import declaration support
- Duty and VAT process guidance
- Release coordination after arrival
Export Customs Clearance
- UK export declaration support
- Document and shipment data checks
- Airline cut-off alignment
Document Review
- Commercial invoice checks
- Packing list and shipment data review
- Commodity and consignee details
Compliance Support
- Licences and controls reviewed where applicable
- Commodity code guidance
- Clearance aligned to cargo movement
From Documents to Cargo Release
Customs clearance works best when documentation, shipment data, terminal handling and cargo movement are coordinated from the start.
Document Review
Commercial invoices, packing lists, EORI details and commodity data are reviewed before submission.
Declaration Preparation
Import or export customs entries are prepared in line with shipment direction and operational timing.
Customs Submission
Declarations are submitted and coordinated alongside airport handling, arrival or departure requirements.
Release & Movement
Cargo release, airline acceptance or onward delivery is aligned once customs requirements are complete.
Clearance Aligned to the Shipment Movement
Customs clearance should not sit separately from the movement itself. For air freight, declaration timing, document accuracy and terminal handling all affect whether cargo can be accepted for export or released on arrival.
ACS Air Freight coordinates the customs process alongside the operational movement, helping reduce avoidable delays caused by missing data, incorrect paperwork or unclear shipment responsibilities.
- Import and export declaration support
- Commercial invoice and packing list review
- Commodity code and shipment data checks
- Coordination with airport handling and release processes
- Support around duty, VAT and importer or exporter responsibilities
Information Typically Required
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Importer or exporter EORI number
- Commodity codes / HS codes
- Incoterms and shipment value
- Airwaybill or booking details
- Licences, certificates or controls if applicable
Export Customs Clearance
For shipments departing the United Kingdom, our team prepares and submits export declarations before cargo arrives at the airport. This supports planned acceptance, security screening and airline uplift.
Export customs handling must be completed in line with shipment readiness, documentation quality and terminal cut-off requirements.
- CDS export declaration submission
- Commercial documentation verification
- Commodity code validation
- Coordination with airline handling agents
- Export compliance checks
Documents Typically Required
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Exporter EORI number
- Commodity codes
- Export licences where required
Import Customs Clearance
For inbound shipments arriving into the UK, we provide import customs declaration support to help release cargo from the airport terminal and coordinate onward delivery without unnecessary delay.
Import customs clearance depends on correct shipment data, commercial documents and alignment with handling agent release procedures once cargo is available.
- Import entry submission and customs processing
- Duty and VAT process guidance
- Document verification prior to entry
- Coordination with handling agents for goods release
- Onward delivery and final-mile coordination
To Clear Imports Efficiently
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Consignee EORI number
- Commodity codes / HS codes
- Freight / arrival details
- Any licences or controls if applicable
Why Use ACS for Air Freight Customs?
Customs delays often come from missing information, unclear responsibilities or documentation that does not match the physical cargo movement.
Air Freight Customs FAQ
Common questions about customs clearance for import and export air freight shipments.
Do you handle import and export customs clearance?
Yes. We can support both UK import and export customs declarations for air freight shipments, subject to receiving the required documents and shipment information.
What documents are normally needed for customs clearance?
We usually require the commercial invoice, packing list, EORI details, commodity codes, shipment value, Incoterms and any licences or certificates that apply to the goods.
Who is responsible for duty and VAT?
Duty and VAT are normally the responsibility of the importer of record, depending on the Incoterms and agreed shipment structure.
Can customs clearance delay air freight?
Yes. Missing documents, incorrect commodity codes, unclear importer details or controlled goods can delay clearance and cargo release.
Can you help if the cargo is already at the airport?
In many cases, yes. We can review the shipment status, documents and clearance requirements, then advise what is needed to progress the cargo.
What information do you need to start a customs entry?
We usually need the shipment direction, shipper and consignee details, commercial invoice, packing list, commodity codes, Incoterms, weights, dimensions and any relevant licences or controls.
Request Customs Clearance Support
Send your shipment details and our team will confirm the customs information required for your import or export air freight movement.
Request Customs Support