HS Codes Explained: How to Find and Use Commodity Codes for UK Imports and Exports
What is an HS code? An HS code, short for Harmonized System code, is a standardised numerical classification used in international trade to identify goods. The first six digits are the same in every country that uses the system, covering over 200 nations worldwide. In the UK, the full commodity code has ten digits and […]
EORI Number Explained: What It Is, Who Needs One, and How to Register
What is an EORI number? An EORI number. Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, is a unique reference that HMRC assigns to businesses that import or export goods. In the UK, the format is GB followed by 12 digits (for example, GB123456789000). You need an EORI number before you can submit a customs declaration. Without […]
ETD, ETA and Key Shipping Terms Explained: The Abbreviations Every Shipping Coordinator Must Know
Your first week in a shipping role and someone sends you a status update: “ATD confirmed, ETA POD revised, vessel in CY, MBL released.” You have no idea what any of it means. You do not want to ask because everyone seems to expect you to know already. This article is for that moment. It […]
EUR1 Movement Certificate Explained: What It Is and How to Get One for UK-EU Trade
What is an EUR1 certificate? An EUR1 movement certificate is an official document that proves goods originate in the UK to claiming preferential tariff treatment under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). When your EU customer presents a valid EUR1 to their customs authority, they can import your goods at 0% duty instead of […]
Export Customs Clearance Explained: What UK Exporters Need to Do Before Goods Leave the Country
What is export customs clearance? Export customs clearance is the formal process of declaring goods to HMRC before, or when, they leave the UK. It involves filing an export declaration, providing the correct commodity code, and ensuring all required documents are in place. Without clearance, goods cannot lawfully depart the UK. It applies to every […]
EXW Incoterm (Ex Works) Explained: A UK Guide
What is EXW? EXW (Ex Works) is an Incoterm where the seller’s only obligation is to make the goods available at their own premises, their factory, warehouse, or another named place. The buyer arranges everything else: collection, loading, export customs clearance, freight, insurance, and import customs. EXW gives the seller minimum responsibility and places maximum […]
FAS Incoterm — Free Alongside Ship Explained: A UK Guide
What is FAS? Free Alongside Ship (FAS) is an Incoterm where the seller delivers goods by placing them alongside the named vessel at the port of shipment, on the quay or on a barge. Risk transfers to the buyer at that moment. The seller handles export customs clearance; the buyer takes on all costs and […]
FOB Incoterm (Free on Board) Explained: A UK Guide
What is FOB? FOB, Free on Board, is an Incoterm where the seller delivers goods on board a named vessel at the port of shipment, clears them for export, and bears all costs and risks up to that point. Once the goods are loaded on the vessel, risk and cost transfer to the buyer. FOB […]
Freight Forwarding Scams Explained: How to Spot and Avoid Shipping Fraud
Freight forwarding scams cost UK businesses millions of pounds every year. The International Chamber of Commerce estimates that trade-related fraud runs into billions globally, and the UK is not immune. For someone new to shipping, handling supplier relationships, booking freight, and managing documentation, these scams are a real and present danger. This article explains exactly […]
UK Trade Preferences Explained: How GSP and DCTS Reduce Import Duty on Goods from Developing Countries
If you import goods into the UK from developing countries, you may be able to pay less, or even zero, import duty. The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) makes this possible. It replaced the old UK rollover of the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) in 2023 and is now one of the most […]