Customs clearance support for import and export air freight
ACS Air Freight coordinates customs requirements alongside your air cargo movement, helping align declarations, shipment data and operational handling so imports and exports can move with less delay.
- Import and export customs coordination
- Document and shipment data review before clearance
- Support aligned to airline, terminal and cargo handling requirements
Customs Clearance for Air Freight Shipments
ACS Air Freight provides customs clearance support for both UK imports and exports, managing declarations, documentation and operational coordination as part of the wider air freight movement.
Whether the shipment is commercial freight, urgent cargo or a regulated consignment, we help ensure customs processing is handled in line with terminal requirements, cargo timing and onward movement.
Our Customs Clearance Services
ACS Air Freight manages import and export customs entries for cargo moving through the UK’s major air freight gateways.
Export Customs
Declarations and document checks prepared before cargo is presented for airline acceptance.
- UK export declarations (CDS)
- Commercial invoice verification
- Airport cargo acceptance coordination
Import Customs
Inbound entries handled in line with cargo arrival, release procedures and onward delivery planning.
- Import entry submission
- Duty and VAT calculation
- Goods release coordination
Commodity & Compliance Review
Shipment data reviewed before submission to reduce errors, delays and avoidable customs intervention.
- Commodity code support
- Incoterms and valuation checks
- Compliance verification
Transit & Procedures
Additional procedures coordinated where required alongside terminal handling and cargo control.
- T1 transit documentation
- Temporary import/export procedures
- Airport cargo terminal liaison
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
- EORI Number
- Commodity Codes
- Export licences where required
Import Customs Clearance
For inbound shipments arriving into the UK, we provide compliant import declarations to support cargo release from the airport terminal and 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 calculations
- 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 (UK)
- Commodity Codes (HS)
- Freight / arrival details (MAWB / HAWB)
- Any licences or controls if applicable
Customs Clearance FAQ
Common questions about UK import and export customs clearance for air freight shipments.
Do I need an EORI number for customs clearance?
In most cases, yes. UK exports and imports usually require an EORI to submit customs declarations. If you are unsure, tell us whether it is export or import and who the importer or exporter of record is, and we will advise.
What documents are required for customs clearance?
Typically a commercial invoice and packing list. We may also need the EORI, commodity codes, Incoterms, and any licences or controls where applicable. For imports, airwaybill details can help speed release.
How long does customs clearance take at UK airports?
Clearance time depends on documentation quality, commodity type and whether customs selects the shipment for checks. When paperwork is correct and complete, many consignments clear promptly once arrival is confirmed by the handling agent.
Can you provide both customs clearance and delivery?
Yes. We can manage the declaration process and coordinate collection or delivery to and from the airport cargo terminal, including routing via our UK receiving depots for exports where appropriate.
Who pays duty and VAT on imports?
Duty and VAT are typically paid by the importer of record in the UK, depending on the Incoterms agreed between buyer and seller. If you share the Incoterms and consignee details, we will confirm the most suitable setup.
What information do you need to start a customs entry?
Export or import direction, shipper and consignee details, commercial invoice, packing list, commodity codes, Incoterms, weights and dimensions, and any time constraints. For imports, include MAWB or HAWB and arrival details if available.
Request Customs Clearance Support
Send us your shipment and document details and our team will confirm the required customs entries, next steps and pricing.
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