Customs services only

Customs Clearance & Documentation — UK & EU

Customs services only. No transport or removals included.

Since the UK left the EU single market, goods crossing between Great Britain and Europe need customs formalities — whether it's a household relocating its belongings or a business sending stock. This page explains the main declarations in plain English and lets you send a customs-only enquiry.

Start a customs enquiryRead the FAQ

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What customs clearance covers

Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to the customs authority, paying or securing any duty and import VAT due, and obtaining permission for the goods to be released. Documentation is the paperwork that supports it: declarations, transit documents, safety filings and the evidence behind them.

Personal effects vs commercial goods

Personal effects

Used belongings moving with a change of residence — furniture, clothing, books, household items. Relief from duty and import VAT may be available if conditions are met, such as how long you have owned and used the items and where you lived before. You will typically need an itemised inventory and proof of your move.

Commercial goods

Goods for sale, business use, or new items in quantity. These are declared with commodity codes and a customs value, usually supported by a commercial invoice. Duty and import VAT may be payable, and an EORI number is normally required for the importer or exporter.

Key UK–EU customs documents explained

Import / export declaration
The main customs declaration lodged when goods enter or leave the UK or the EU. It records what the goods are, their value, origin and the customs procedure being used.
T1 — transit
Moves goods under customs control across one or more borders, deferring duties until the destination customs office. Common for road freight between the EU and the UK.
ENS — entry summary
A safety and security declaration submitted in advance of arrival. Required for most goods entering Great Britain or the EU.
GMR — goods movement reference
Created in the UK Goods Vehicle Movement Service for crossings through participating ports. It links declarations to one vehicle movement.
ELO / export evidence
Paperwork confirming goods have left the customs territory, which can matter for VAT treatment and for closing an export procedure.

Indicative only. Requirements vary by route, goods and declaration type, and rules change. Official guidance is published by HMRC on GOV.UK and by the customs authority of the EU country involved.

How a customs enquiry works

  1. 1Tell us what you needChoose the customs service and describe the goods, route and timing using the form below.
  2. 2We review itYour enquiry gets a reference and is reviewed by our team. Nothing is sent automatically to any other company.
  3. 3We reply with next stepsWe'll explain which documents are likely to be involved and, if a qualified customs agent is needed, discuss that with you first.

Transparent limitations

Customs-only enquiry

For customs clearance and paperwork only. Fields marked * are required.

Customs services only. This form does not request removals, collection, delivery or any transport. Need a mover? Use the removals quote form instead.
Which customs service do you need?

Privacy: MoveQuoteLocal Ltd stores your enquiry securely and uses it only to respond to this customs request. Your details are not passed automatically to any other company. If, after reviewing your enquiry, a customs specialist is needed, we will only share the necessary details with your agreement or another appropriate lawful basis. You can ask us to access or delete your data at any time — see our privacy policy and data request page.

Customs clearance FAQ

Does this service include transport or removals?

No. This page and its enquiry form cover customs clearance and customs paperwork only. If you also need goods collected or moved, use the separate removals quote form — the two requests are handled independently.

Is MoveQuoteLocal a licensed customs broker?

MoveQuoteLocal is not presenting itself as a licensed customs broker or HMRC-authorised agent. We review each customs enquiry and, where specialist handling is needed, explain the options and only involve a qualified customs agent with your agreement.

What is the difference between personal effects and commercial goods?

Personal effects are used belongings you own and are moving for your own use, such as furniture and clothing when relocating. Commercial goods are items intended for sale, business use or that are new and unused in quantity. Personal effects can often qualify for relief from duty and VAT when conditions are met; commercial goods are normally declared with commodity codes and may attract duty and import VAT.

What is a T1 transit document?

A T1 is a Common Transit declaration that lets goods travel under customs control between countries without paying duties at each border. Duties and taxes are settled at the office of destination, and a guarantee usually covers the journey.

What are ENS and GMR?

An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a safety and security filing submitted before goods arrive in Great Britain or the EU. A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is generated in the UK Goods Vehicle Movement Service and links the customs declarations to a vehicle crossing through certain UK ports.

Which documents are usually requested?

Typical requests include a detailed inventory or commercial invoice, proof of identity, evidence of your change of residence for personal effects, transport or booking references, and any licences for restricted goods. The exact list depends on the route, the goods and the declaration type, so treat any list as indicative.

How long does customs clearance take?

Timing depends on the completeness of documents, the declaration type and whether customs authorities select the shipment for checks. We cannot guarantee clearance times or outcomes, because decisions rest with the customs authorities.

Need your belongings moved rather than customs paperwork? Request a separate removals quote or browse international removal routes.