Importing goods from outside the UK? Advice on UK imports

Importing goods into the UK from other countries is very similar to exporting from the UK: no matter where you are sending goods to or from, your package will need to be clearly labelled with the Air Waybill of your chosen carrier, and all shipments between the UK and non-EU countries will require a Customs Invoice and be subject to customs clearance. Importing from a non-EU country can be even simpler than exporting to one, because with imports you will be subject to taxes and duties applied by UK Customs Authorities, and it can be easier to familiarise yourself with these and anticipate any applicable charges. 

Follow our top three tips on importing into the UK to ensure your deliveries run smoothly:

1- Use a quality courier service 

Large, international and well-established door-to-door couriers such as DHL and TNT Express have decades of experience with imports and can therefore guarantee you the best possible delivery service along with good customs expertise. Resellers such as Transglobal Express offer DHL and TNT Express Import services at significantly reduced prices, so SMEs can benefit from great import rates without compromising on quality. You can get a quote and compare discounted rates via our website.

2- Maintain good communication with your collection point

Remember, you have less control over imports than exports because you are dependent upon your collection point to ensure that collection runs smoothly and your consignment can start making its way to you. When you book an import service via Transglobal Express, you can select a collection day yourself, but its a good idea to liaise with your collection point to check they will be available. Your collection point will also receive all of the delivery documentation, as it will be him or her who will need to attach the shipping labels to your consignment. Make sure you keep communications channels with your collection point to ensure that they do this on time. As soon as we receive confirmation of collection, your shipment will be fully trackable via our website. 

3- Do your homework!

This applies to exports as well as imports - it's never a bad idea to bone up on the latest regulations and customs restrictions of the two countries between which your goods are moving. The customs website of the respective nations is the best place to start, and the HMRC website is a great resource. Don't forget that, when exporting, most shipments are delivered DDU (delivered duty unpaid), meaning that the receiver is liable for all customs clearance charges and related taxes and levies. With importing, you are the receiver, so you will be liable for all charges. It's a good idea to do some research in advance so you can anticipate charges rather than being liable for hefty customs fees before they are released to you!

Bizarre Canadian customs regulations and prohibited items

Here is what you need to know about Canadian customs. Do not be fooled if you thought the USA had strict regulations regarding prohibited items. Remember to contact the Canadian customs office before you send a parcel to Canada and are unsure if it may be restricted or forbidden items.

When reading through Canada’s prohibited items list, you might find that it starts out simple but the further you read the more bizarre its gets.

 

Section 1 - guns and firearms which could cause serious injuries.

The listed items include firearms of all types, replicas of weapons, toys guns, bows and cross bows as well as slingshots and harpoons. All of these items can obviously be dangerous and therefore are considered “prohibited”.

Beyond that, no goods manufactured in prison labour are allowed into Canadian territory.

 

 

Let’s continue with Section 2…

This part refers to devices with stun or immobilising effects including chemicals, sprays, animal stunners and shocking devices.

 

 

Next up are sharp objects (Section 3).

Canada experiences a rather rough climate in winter. However, this should not motivate you to pack snow tools such as ice axes or picks. If needed, surely you will be able to buy them in Canada, but it is best not to send them with your parcels.

 

The same applies to swords and martial arts gear.

Do not hide them in your parcels. Canadian customs as well as all big couriers are likely to x-ray your consignments for dangerous contents. If you still wish to ship your martial arts gear to Canada, you may want to speak with your local training studio as well as Canadian customs to see if there is a special service which could deliver it.

 

 

 

Following Section 3, is Section 4 – work tools which could cause serious harm.

It is rather straight forward. Do not send any crowbars, hammers, drills, bolt guns, saws etc.

 

 

As for bizarre objects Section 5 – blunt objects – and Section 7 - Liquids - outperform everything else.

Golf and hockey players may be disappointed about this one, but according to Canadian customs is not possible to import golf clubs or hockey and lacrosse sticks to Canada. After all, one could injure somebody else with them. 

 

On the other hand, be advised not to send any containers with breast milk or milk formula to Canada which are bigger than 100 ml / 100 g. Generally speaking, no liquids, aerosols or gels are allowed to be imported. This includes baby milk, juice or foods for infants.

 

 

Explosives and Incendiary substances

Lastly, and most commonly known, Canadian customs law forbids to ship any explosives or incendiary substances to the border. This also includes fireworks.

Finally.

Always remember to check back with the full list of prohibited items before sending your parcels to Canada, no matter if sent by courier or postal mail and potentially risking problems with customs.

Source: Transport Canada

Worldwide import via leading international courier services

Over 140 collection countries worldwide, one cost-efficient courier service. Starting this month, you can now import goods to the UK from an array of international territories including places as remote as the Virgin Islands.

1. Worldwide import with TNT

TNT, the European market leader in global express, logistics and international mail services, will deliver your parcels to anywhere in the UK. Benefit from this new, convenient import service in corporation with the renowned courier service provider, TNT. 

You can choose from over 140 collection countries and have your parcels delivered to your doorstep. TNT is widely regarded as a leading expert parcel services provider due to its high standards of service reliability and well-connected air and road networks.

  

2. Track your shipment online

When importing parcels or documents with the help of a courier service, tracking is amongst the main priorities for many customers. Sophisticated technology ensures that you will receive up-to-date, on-line information about the status of your consignment. Track you parcel online 24/7.

  

3. Save money with third-party courier service providers

Leading express parcel delivery services tend to give third-party courier service providers significant discounts on international import and export rates. By arranging your parcel import via an independent courier agent or third-party courier services provider, you can save over 50 % on standard delivery rates. 

And as if that were not enough you can also enjoy the service of having your parcels collected from and delivered to your chosen addresses. 

No matter, if you would like to arrange a parcel delivery for your latest eBay purchase, personal items or important business documents, independent courier service providers such as Transglobal.org.uk can help you import goods to the UK from over 140 collection countries for less.

DHL buys Indian courier and logistics company Lemuir

According to Analytica, the global parcel services and logistics company, DHL has the 26% stake previously held by the Indian courier service, Lemuir Group. This makes DHL Lemuir Logistics a full subsidiary of the Deutsche Post DHL. 

Images c/o DHL & Lemuir Group

The Lemuir Group stated that it was going to concentrate on the special cargoes and their transport. This aim resulted in the decision to sell the stake of the joint venture with DHL. The transaction has also led to a name change for DHL Lemuir Logistics which is now called DHL Logistics Pvt. Ltd.

Apparently, DHL has had great interest in the Indian domestic logistics market for some time. DHL recently invested in the development of new parcel service solutions for its Indian customer base targeting clients from the clothing sector, IT and engineering in India.

 

Source: Analytica