Import Procedures

S&H Core Courses

Our full day and 2-day S&H favourites are here to deliver a broader knowledge on either a more advanced subject or coveringan a range of subjects at a beginner level. These full day courses are always hosted live, to allow for interaction and questions, they can be held face to face or in a virtual classroom environment.


Beginners Guide to Exporting & Importing

This engaging and informative one-day course will introduce you to the world of exporting and importing and focus on the terms and practices used through interactive exercises and activities. This will give you an insight into how goods are bought and sold worldwide.

Beginners Guide to Customs Procedures

A more detailed look at UK customs procedures in full; this course examines the critical areas of customs compliance and gives a detailed overview of the duty relief procedures available to exporters and importers. Following the UK's exit from the EU, greater emphasis is now placed on customs compliance within organisations and their ability to demonstrate an understanding of customs procedures.

Import Essentials: Focus on Importing

This core S&H training course is an excellent way to learn more about importing into the UK. It covers customs issues, as well as implications of choosing the correct shipping term, paying duties, and managing the logistics. Whether in sourcing, procurement, finance, customer services, shipping or import administration, attendance will increase your confidence and awareness in dealing with overseas suppliers, transport companies, banks and HM Revenue & Customs.

Preparing for a Customs Audit

HMRC are back auditing businesses to ensure understanding and compliance to customs regulations, so this is a timely course aimed at assisting traders to prepare/plan for Customs Audits. As well as looking a standard procedural requirements it will illustrate information required in key areas, eg valuation, preference, VAT evidence of export, use of special procedures (IP/OP) and RGR. Delegates will leave the day with a checklist for procedures to plan for these audits.

Advanced Guide to Import, Export & Customs Procedures

The course aims to guide you to a higher standard of compliance with import & export legislation. After attending, delegates will leave with greater confidence to update /review existing procedures, talk to logistics providers and explain complicated issues in a simple way to other business areas.

Understanding Origin & Preference

What is the difference between origin and preferential origin? This interactive workshop explains this by using case studies and exercises to help the learner understand when they are important in both export and import scenarios. It examines the documents and statements used to declare origin and preference and how to verify if your goods meet preference rules across different trade agreements. With HMRC audits increasing, you and the business need to be comfortable with this complex area.

Focus On Courses

Channelling our expert knowledge on a specific subject to deliver a in-depth training session. These half and full day training courses are aimed at delegates with a basic understanding of customs procedures and international trade.


Focus On: Temporary Imports & Exports

Whether your sales teams, engineers and technicians hand-carry goods when going overseas or you send them unaccompanied for demonstrations, exhibition, hire or loan, for testing or to have work done on them each temporary movement will require customs declarations at export and import. This course explains the customs and commercial processes involved to control temporary movements and avoid unnecessary customs costs.



Focus On: AEO and Trusted Trader Scheme

This presentation focusses on what the HMRC Authorised Economic Operator Status accreditation is, but more importantly, examines whether being an AEO will benefit your own organisation or if staying outside the AEO system will have a detrimental effect on your business. AEO status was introduced in the EU in 2008 and is now part of UK legislation and will be linked to the new border management system coming into force the Trusted Trader Scheme.

Focus On: VAT in International Trade

The aim of interactive session is to demonstrate how supplies of goods and services to overseas customers may or may not be subject to UK VAT and evidence to VAT zero-rate. It illustrates how a UK business should handle VAT obligations when receiving supplies from an overseas business, managing import VAT/PVA, and when import VAT can be reclaimed. It also looks at the circumstances in which a UK business must register for VAT overseas (eg in the EU).

Focus On: ATA Carnets - A Practical Guide to Applying for and using

Since the UK left the EU, there has been an increase in the need to control temporary movements. If you send or receive goods for demonstration, exhibition, testing or as professional equipment, you should consider this Passport for Goods. This half-day session will focus on a useful international scheme for the temporary movement of goods - the ATA Carnet Scheme. It will cover the application process and how to control ATA Carnets' use effectively.

Focus On: IPAFFS

IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed Systems) is a web-based service for applying for Common Health Entry Documents (CHEDs) for imports into the UK. Applicable to live animals, POAO, HRFNAO and composite goods, understanding how to use this system is vital for many business sectors. Join us in reviewing how to access IPAFFS, complete an IPAFFS notification and process the import.

Focus on Food: Import Procedures

Importing food, drink, plant health products, POAO and composite goods into the UK requires an awareness of the phytosanitary and pre-registration requirements. This half-day session will focus on what a trader needs to know to bring goods through customs, port health and meet other government department regulations, e.g., DEFRA. It will also demonstrate the pre-notification process on IPAFFS.

Focus On: Northern Ireland - The Movement of Goods

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol that came into force when the UK left the EU, trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK now come under customs regulations. Understanding your responsibilities when sending from GB to NI can seem a difficult change to procedures to manage. This course looks at this complicated area bringing clarity to customs entries, “at risk” goods, trusted trader scheme.

Focus On: Understanding Free Trade Agreements

With the UK developing new independent trade arrangements both to encourage the export and import of goods and services from affiliated markets, this session is a must. Some knowledge of customs regulations is recommended or attendance on courses introducing this topic. This course looks at the structure of new and old UK international trade agreements, the key rules of origin and how to understand the whole agreement coverings goods, services and other trade issues.

Focus On: Incoterms® 2020 Rules

Trading goods worldwide can expose companies to greater risk & cost in the form of lost goods or unnecessary delays or disputes. The simple allocation of responsibilities in the supply chain can help, which is what Incoterms® Rules have been doing since 1936. Generally, Incoterms® are misunderstood and frequently misused; ensure you are using them correctly by joining us on this full-day interactive course.

Technical Workshops

Are you looking to learn a particular skill? Our technical workshops cover a range of topics and aim to enable the delegates to come away with a practical skill, such as how to complete an export entry or knowing how to classify goods. You can expect to spend some time in breakout rooms when learning in the virtual classroom to work on practical examples of what has been covered in the presentation.


How to Complete Import Entries

This workshop explains the rules and regulations for completing UK import entries on CDS. It provides delegates with an understanding of how to build the data entry information, which data elements are essential and how to declare payment methods. Learners will leave the session with sufficient knowledge to be able to complete a basic import customs entry and be able to build on this to submit more complicated entries. Important whether you are an agent or importer.

Advanced CDS Technical Workshop: Imports

This advanced technical workshop looks at CDS import declaration using live software examples throughout. Each data element group will be explained in detail, together with illustrative examples. The technical advisors have a wealth of experience using multiple software solutions for CDS entries and support many clients using CDS across a variety of platforms. It is not suitable for beginners so we expect delegates to have a good awareness of customs entries or have attended How to Complete Import Customs

Customs Warehousing Explained - Technical Workshop

More companies than ever before are now considering a customs warehouse as vital to an efficient supply chain. This workshop explaining how to set up a customs-bonded warehouse facility in the UK will show you how to improve your cash flow, support customs regimes and trade agreements while goods are under customs supervision, and save money by using Simplified Procedures.

Inward Processing Relief - IP Workshop

Moving goods for process or repair / bringing them in for service, repair or process can mean incurring unnecessary and unrecoverable costs unless you use the correct customs special procedures. Operating IP, and utilising OP, can save a lot of money but it needs to be set up and managed correctly. This workshop examines when to use these procedures, how to apply and how to maintain compliance. Ideal for anyone currently using IP/OP or just wanting to know more.

Tariff Classification Explained - Technical Workshop

In this workshop learner will find out why the tariff is so important, not only because it contains the commodity codes classifications but because of it's link to other trade measures. It looks at the structure of the Harmonised System (HS) and uses interactive session to help you understand how to classify your goods, the importance of section and chapter notes and how and when to use the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs).

The Importers Workshop: 2 Day Advanced Guide to Import Procedures

Practical follow-on to Import Essentials, this popular 2-day workshop helps put customs procedures into practical use. Delegates are encouraged to bring samples of their own import documentation. Exercises on customs procedures transform theory into practice and add value and impact to this in-depth workshop. The aim is to increase understanding of the customs rules and provide clear guidance on import regulations.

Valuing Goods for Customs Purposes - Technical Workshop

All goods need to be valued correctly for customs purposes, whether a sales, returns, temporary movements or free of charge. The clear rules laid down in the WTO Valuation Agreement and adopted into UK law, will be explained during this practical workshop session as will the difference between intercompany pricing and customs valuation. It will illustrate how to build a price for import customs purposes and the costs that must be included and those that can be removed.

Face to Face Courses

All of our Face to Face training courses are delivered in a Covid-19 secure training room. The safety of our trainers & clients is of upmost importance to us. Our Face to Face courses will be limited to a maximum of 10 delegates.


Beginners Guide to Exporting & Importing

This engaging and informative one-day course will introduce you to the world of exporting and importing and focus on the terms and practices used through interactive exercises and activities. This will give you an insight into how goods are bought and sold worldwide.

The Importers Workshop: 2 Day Advanced Guide to Import Procedures

Practical follow-on to Import Essentials, this popular 2-day workshop helps put customs procedures into practical use. Delegates are encouraged to bring samples of their own import documentation. Exercises on customs procedures transform theory into practice and add value and impact to this in-depth workshop. The aim is to increase understanding of the customs rules and provide clear guidance on import regulations.

Inward Processing Relief - IP F2F Technical Workshop

Moving goods for process or repair / bringing them in for service, repair or process can mean incurring unnecessary and unrecoverable costs unless you use the correct customs special procedures. Operating IP, and utilising OP, can save a lot of money but it needs to be set up and managed correctly. This workshop examines when to use these procedures, how to apply and how to maintain compliance. Ideal for anyone currently using IP/OP or just wanting to know more.

Tariff Classification Explained - Technical Workshop

In this workshop learner will find out why the tariff is so important, not only because it contains the commodity codes classifications but because of it's link to other trade measures. It looks at the structure of the Harmonised System (HS) and uses interactive session to help you understand how to classify your goods, the importance of section and chapter notes and how and when to use the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs).

Customs Warehousing Explained - Technical Workshop

More companies than ever before are now considering a customs warehouse as vital to an efficient supply chain. This workshop explaining how to set up a customs-bonded warehouse facility in the UK will show you how to improve your cash flow, support customs regimes and trade agreements while goods are under customs supervision, and save money by using Simplified Procedures.

Import Essentials: Focus on Importing

This core S&H training course is an excellent way to learn more about importing into the UK. It covers customs issues and the implications of choosing the correct shipping term, paying duties, and managing the logistics. Whether you work in sourcing, procurement, finance, customer services, shipping or import administration, attendance will increase your confidence and awareness in dealing with overseas suppliers, transport companies, banks and HM Revenue & Customs.

Understanding Origin & Preference

All goods need to be valued correctly for customs purposes, whether a sales, returns, temporary movements or free of charge. The clear rules laid down in the WTO Valuation Agreement and adopted into UK law, will be explained during this practical workshop session as will the difference between intercompany pricing and customs valuation. It will illustrate how to build a price for import customs purposes and the costs that must be included and those that can be removed.

About Our Courses

Covering all aspects of the import process, these courses range from the simple basics of how to complete an import customs declaration, to a more detailed look at the HMRC CHIEF computer system and its replacement, the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), right through to comprehensive in-depth workshops, dealing with the subject of import procedures.


Don't forget that Strong and Herd can also provide you with bespoke in-house training to suit your specific training needs. Simply contact us to discuss your complete requirements.

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FAQ's

  • My boss would like to know the broad category of processes we can receive import duty relief on when we bring goods in from outside the EU?

    According to UK Customs, the following seven processes may come under a duty relief regime, but remember you must understand the duty relief procedure fully as entitlement is generally dependent on certain conditions being met and the procedure followed. For further information use Volume 1 of the Tariff or the Trade Tariff on GOV.UK.


    • Re-imported goods either re-imported unaltered or after process abroad (Notices 236 and 235);
    • Temporary admission (Notice 3001+ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/temporary-admission)
    • Reliefs for goods for specified descriptions or goods imported or used in specified circumstances, eg charities, rejected imports, etc;
    • Goods relieved of customs duty unconditionally, including education, scientific and cultural materials;
    • Goods relieved from Customs duty and VAT, eg documents, printed matter, advertising material
    • Goods imported for process and re-export or release for free circulation (Notice 3001)
    • End Use Relief on certain named goods (Notice 3001) 
  • If items are brought into the UK for repair from the USA and the Importer of Record does not have an IP authorisation are there any schemes they could utilise to reduce the VAT and duty?

    Under the UK/EU import duty relief schemes any EORI registered company (formerly known as the VAT number) can apply for Inward processing relief (IP) at the time of arrival of the goods under the simplified procedure (called Authorisation by Customs Declaration) covered by CPC 51.00.001 and Economic Code ECO02 for repair (but the goods must not be replaced). This suspends both duty and VAT on condition that a customs guarantee is in place to cover the amount, otherwise the amount must be paid and reclaimed later. The maximum usage of this system is 3 times in a 12 month period or £500k of goods value whichever is reached first. The application request is made on the C88/SAD import entry in Box 44. This gives 6 months for the repair and on export a Bill of Discharge BOD3 must be sent to the National Import Reliefs Unit (NIRU) in Belfast showing the export entry number under CPC 31.51.000.

  • We bring in textiles and clothing from Singapore and currently most of it incur a duty rate of 12%. We understand that the EU has a Free Trade Agreement with Singapore and we asked our suppliers if they could issue preference statement so we can claim a lower import duty rate. They have come back and confirmed that some of the goods they ship to us do qualify under the FTA but others don’t, but they have said that there isn’t much point them making these declarations yet as the duty hasn’t changed. I thought FTAs always meant that the customs duty rates became zero. Is this something to do with the UK leaving the EU in January 2021, are we excluded from the Agreement?

    The FTA between the EU and Singapore FTA did come into force on 21st November 2019 and, while the UK is in the Implementation Period though we are not a full member of the EU all EU Trade Agreements apply to the UK, so no this has nothing to do with Brexit. What we often don’t appreciate is that Free Trade Agreements do not always make trade “free”, they are negotiated deals that affect each party slightly differently dependent on their own international trade policies and priorities. With regard to the agreement between the EU and Singapore there is a staged reduction of duty rates itemised in staging categories set out both in the Union's and the Singapore Schedule of Tariffs. The plan is that customs duties will be reduced over a 5-year period. On the EU Schedule clothing (Chapter 62) will become zero-duty during Stage 5 (21st November 2023). Your supplier isn’t quite right though, there has been a reduction in customs duty for clothing in year one: the standard tariff of 12% become a preference rate of 10%. 

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