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Grange Shipping Ltd
Ordnance House, 1 Garrison Lane,
Felixstowe, Suffolk
IP11 7SH
United Kingdom
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is a critical part of any international shipment, and accuracy matters. Grange Shipping has been providing professional customs brokerage services in the UK since 1979, supporting imports, exports and transhipments through all major UK ports. Operating from Felixstowe with direct electronic links to HMRC and port systems nationwide, our experienced team manages declarations, compliance and inspections efficiently — helping your goods move through borders smoothly while reducing risk, delays and unnecessary costs.
Service details
UK-Wide Customs Brokerage
We provide customs clearance at all major UK ports including Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Tilbury, Liverpool, Immingham, Bristol, Cardiff and more. Our direct system links ensure fast and accurate processing wherever your cargo arrives or departs.
Import Customs Clearance
We prepare and submit accurate import declarations to HMRC, ensuring duty and VAT are calculated correctly first time. With audits possible up to four years after clearance, precision is essential — and we work closely with our customers to minimise post-clearance risk.
Export Declarations (NES / CDS)
We manage export customs declarations for shippers, forwarders and shipping lines, ensuring entries are submitted correctly and on time. Accurate export clearance prevents cargo being held on the quay, avoiding missed sailings, storage charges and delays.
Transhipments & NCTS Transit Movements
For cargo moving under transit, we operate under the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). Our substantial HMRC guarantees protect shipments from immediate duty and VAT payments while goods move to their final clearance point or onward export.
Direct HMRC & Port System Integration
Our direct electronic links with HMRC and port systems allow customs formalities to be completed quickly — often before cargo is physically discharged. This is particularly critical for hazardous, explosive or time-sensitive shipments.
Duty & VAT Deferment Facilities
We operate a substantial customs deferment account, allowing import duty and VAT to be paid to HMRC on our customers’ behalf. This supports cash flow and avoids delays linked to payment authorisation. Please contact us for further details.
Inspection & Authority Liaison
We liaise with all relevant authorities on your behalf, including UK Border Force, Port Health, DEFRA, Trading Standards and Customs exam teams. If your cargo is selected for inspection, we manage the process and keep you fully informed.
Port Health & IPAFFS Declarations
Food products containing animal origin ingredients must be declared to Port Health in advance. We are registered on the IPAFFS system and complete CHED documentation, guiding both new and established food importers through compliance requirements.
DEFRA & Produce Specialists
We work closely with DEFRA departments including HMI and PHSI, submitting required declarations via PEACH and ALVS systems. With decades of experience in fruit, vegetable and perishable cargo, we help customers navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence.
Preference Certificates & Supporting Documents
As a full-service freight forwarder, we can manage not only your FCL haulage, but also customs clearance, documentation, warehousing and onward distribution — creating a complete, seamless supply chain solution.
Your Customs Clearance Team
Wendy Pearson
With over 15 years in logistics, Wendy has a deep knowlege of road freight and heads up our Road Freight department at Grange. Wendy will be your contact throughout the movement of your freight.
Contact Wendy
Wendy Pearson
With over 15 years in logistics, Wendy has a deep knowlege of road freight and heads up our Road Freight department at Grange. Wendy will be your contact throughout the movement of your freight.
Contact Wendy
Customs Clearance FAQs
1. What does a customs agent or customs broker do?
A customs agent acts on your behalf to prepare and submit declarations to HMRC, ensuring goods are legally imported, exported or transhipped. Grange Shipping manages documentation, compliance and liaison with authorities to keep your cargo moving smoothly.
2. Can you handle customs clearance at any UK port?
If your shipment is selected for inspection by Customs, Port Health, DEFRA or Border Force, we coordinate directly with the relevant authority and keep you informed of progress and any impact on delivery timelines.
3. Can you manage customs clearance as part of the haulage service?
If your shipment is selected for inspection by Customs, Port Health, DEFRA or Border Force, we coordinate directly with the relevant authority and keep you informed of progress and any impact on delivery timelines.
4. Do you handle both import and export customs clearance?
Yes. We manage import declarations, export entries and transit movements for a wide range of customers including importers, exporters, forwarders and shipping lines.
5. Can you help reduce duty and VAT risk?
Accurate declarations are essential, especially with audits possible years after clearance. Our experienced team advises on commodity codes, valuation and preference eligibility to help reduce the risk of post-clearance demands.
6. Do you offer customs deferment accounts?
Yes. We operate a substantial defermont account with HMRC, allowing us to pay import duty and VAT on behalf of customers. This can improve cash flow and speed up clearance.
7. Are you experienced with food, produce and perishable goods?
Very much so. We have over 25 years' experience handling food, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, including Port Health, DEPRA and IPAFFS requirements
8. Can you handle hazardous or specialist cargo?
Yes. We regularly manage customs clearance for hazardous and explosive cargoes, where speed, accuracy and regulatory compliance are particularly critical.
Articles
Tuesday 18th November 2025
Getting your documentation right - A guide to customs clearance
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Read moreForms & Downloads
European Road Freight Service Guide
A handy guide to our European Road Freight service.
Download PDFGrange Shipping equipment guide
Our guide to container dimensions, weights and payloads
Download PDFComplementary Services
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is managed by our expert team, handling all documentation and compliance so your goods move through borders smoothly.
Find out moreWarehousing
Warehousing provides secure, efficient storage. Ideal for short- or long-term needs, it keeps your inventory organised and ready for onward distribution whenever you need it.
Find out moreEUR1 / Certificates of Origin
EUR1 certificates and Certificates of Origin are handled by our knowledgeable team, ensuring your paperwork is correctly prepared and compliant.
Find out moreLegalised Invoices
prepared and processed by our specialist team, our legalised invoices service ensures your documents meet all official requirements.
Find out more
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