Why do we need a customs agent?

[Pistom]

Our small firm has always only sold in the UK but one of our largest customers is relocating to Germany and want us to carry on supplying them.

They also want us to start supplying their Chinese associate.

They've asked us to get a customs agent.

Our prices include shipping and our intention is to use a fast parcel shipper to deliver (small but high value goods).

We realise we have to make a customs declaration but from what the shipper tells us - it seems to me that they look after all the customs paperwork - they just need our EORI, type of customs activity and our company details as well as invoice and declaration of origin of the goods.

Why would we need a customs agent?

[oddball1313]

if your shipper will do all the declarations then you don’t need one. we use an agent in castle donnington for our eu shipments (MIES). costs us £45 per shipment you might need an OGEL license depending on what the items are, zero cost and can be got from the government site spire

https://www.spire.trade.gov.uk/spire/fox/espire/LO...

[Pistom]

Thanks for that - is there any requirement for us to make a declaration if the client arranges transport - if our terms are ex works?

[N8CYL]

For ex works you don't need to do anything other than to provide information to enable others to complete customs and transport. This is usually the commercial invoice and dimensions of cargo

[Pistom]

Thanks for the replies so far - it seems like we don't need a customs agent then or to be more accurate - the shippers look after the paperwork as long as we provide the basics.

I was concerned that we might be missing something and falling foul of customs legislation if we didn't jump through the right hoops.

[essayer]

We used to send packages worldwide via DHL express, FedEx etc, all we needed was 3 copies of the invoice inside with line item quantities and correct HS codes, weight, ensure shipping fees are on it and we never had an issue (apart from packages getting lost!)

I think in this case DHL, FedEx are your ‘customs agents’ ?

Also don’t go direct to the shippers - use a broker, it’s significantly cheaper

[Pistom]

Thanks again. Great advice regarding brokers - the rates really are much lower.

[dirky dirk]

Just use a courier for small stuff and a freight forwarde for heavier stuff.
Job done
Expect some disruption in november when we change to cds