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Import declarations

For more than 30 years, we have supported companies in managing import declarations in Europe and worldwide

We offer independent and expert advice, comprehensive service and an innovative, forward-looking approach trusted by leading logistics service providers and importers. This guarantees a smooth passage through customs and a timely release of goods.

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Contact

Bianca Jansen
Manager Customs & Compliance

+31 88 996 4000
csu@neelevat.com

Our import experts can help you with

Minimizing or eliminating import duties.

We can combine multiple shipments to reduce declaration costs

Assisting with individual inspections

We support you during each inspection to minimize delays

Verifying original documents

We ensure that all import documents are complete and correct

Handling import declarations

We arrange all necessary import papers, certificates and permits

Ensuring compliance

We check everything from commodity codes (HS) to the precision of declared values

Remitting taxes and fees

We handle payment of taxes and fees on your behalf

Don't pay more than necessary.

Our team of consultants and advisors is dedicated to assisting you with regulatory compliance and minimizing costs. Prior to filing, we perform several analyses to determine the most cost-effective customs value. These analyses include:

Assigning the correct commodity codes (HS) for import duty optimization.

Leveraging trade agreements to reduce or eliminate import duties.

Consolidating shipments for lower declaration costs.

Identify savings opportunities through audit reviews.

Expert advice and certifications for your industry

Neele-Vat specializes in customs clearance for various industries, with a focus on perishable and veterinary goods. As a trusted partner for leading companies in these industries, we offer a comprehensive range of services. This includes filing TRACES or IPAFFS notifications, support with classification of goods, and fiscal representation in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

In addition, we assist in the accurate calculation of customs values, advise on the use of import quotas, and provide anti-dumping duty support. Each of these services is designed to simplify and speed up your customs processes, while ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.

The smoother handling of customs procedures

Accelerating the flow of your goods optimizes your business processes. We focus on providing a service that ensures speed, precision and regulatory compliance. We take several measures to ensure that your products get through customs as quickly and efficiently as possible. This includes:

Regularly provided updates that are both quick and clear.

Prior product checks and applications.

Integration with your shipping and inventory systems.

Access to our digital portal.

Frequently asked questions about import declarations

If you wish to import goods into the United Kingdom or the European Union, it is critical that you have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, along with the required trade documentation. For imports into the United Kingdom, a GB EORI number is required. For imports into Norway, you must have a Norwegian organization number.

You can obtain an EORI number by applying for it through your country's official customs website or by seeking support from a trading partner such as Neele-Vat.

You can register your business through the Brønnøysund Register Centre website.

To register with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), visit the HMRC website and follow the steps of the registration process. Make sure you have your EORI number, Government Gateway ID and relevant company information on hand to successfully complete the registration.

To register with the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) navigate to the UK government's GVMS portal. You need to have your EORI number and company details ready. GVMS allows you to submit customs documents in advance for goods crossing UK borders

For your customs declaration, you'll need a commercial invoice showing the transaction, Incoterms® and goods. You'll also need a packing list, the correct commodity code(s) and any preference certificates or declarations related to your shipment, such as a EUR1, REX or invoice declaration. These documents are crucial for Customs to determine duties and taxes.

PVA (Postponed VAT Accounting) can be used by VAT-registered businesses in the UK to account for import VAT on their VAT returns, rather than paying it upfront at the border. This is beneficial for cash flow.

Incoterms® define responsibilities between buyers and sellers of international shipments, including who pays for shipping, insurance and customs duties. The Incoterm you choose (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW) can greatly affect cost, responsibility and customs value, which determines how much duty you pay.

Frequently asked questions about Customs

When exporting to countries outside the EU, you need to arrange customs clearance so the goods can officially leave the EU. This starts with collecting the correct export documents (such as commercial invoice, packing list and transport documents) and submitting an electronic export declaration to customs. Customs will check the documents (and sometimes physically inspect the shipment), issue an exit confirmation upon approval, and then the shipment can be transported abroad. Good preparation and correct documentation help avoid delays, fines and additional costs. Want to know more? Read the article here.

An EORI number is a unique identification number that companies need in order to trade goods in or out of the EU at customs. You need it as soon as you have to complete customs formalities for export, import or transit; without an EORI number, customs cannot process your shipment. Want to know more? Read the article here.

Neele-Vat helps customers with complex customs procedures by providing expert support and full handling of all necessary formalities. They arrange customs declarations, EORI registration, permits and documentation, communicate with customs on behalf of the customer and ensure that shipments pass through customs smoothly, compliantly and without unnecessary delays, both for import and export. Want to know more? Read the article here.

Customs warehouses offer the advantage that goods can be stored under customs supervision without paying import duties and taxes directly. This allows you to save cash-flow, manage inventory flexibly and handle goods (e.g. import, re-export or processing) only when it is logistically or fiscally convenient. Want to know more? Read the article here.

For imports, you pay VAT on the imported goods, but this can often be reclaimed in your VAT return; for exports to countries outside the EU, VAT is usually 0%, provided you can prove the correct documents. Good VAT handling prevents unnecessary costs and ensures that you comply with the rules of customs and tax authorities. Want to know more? Read the article here.

As a customs broker, Neele-Vat takes care of all customs formalities for your shipments, ensuring that goods cross borders smoothly without delays. They make declarations, arrange EORI and permits, communicate with customs and ensure that documents are submitted correctly and on time, for both import and export. As a result, your logistics process runs smoothly and compliantly. Want to know more? Read the article here.

For imports into the EU, you usually need the following documents: a Commercial Invoice (with value, incoterms and lots), a Packing List (with contents and weights), a Customs Declaration (submitted electronically), your EORI number and any specific certificates or permits (e.g. phytosanitary or CE certificates). These documents are needed to get the shipment through customs and handle VAT/import duties correctly. Want to know more? Read the article here.

Clearing goods through customs involves officially notifying and verifying shipments so that they may be imported or exported. This starts with submitting the necessary documents (such as commercial invoice, packing list and customs declaration), after which customs checks them and, if necessary, physically inspects the goods. Once everything is in order, Customs issues a release allowing the goods to be transited, delivered or further exported. Correct and timely declarations prevent delays and extra costs. Want to know more? Read the article here.

With air cargo, the following documents are usually required by customs: the Air Waybill (transport document), a commercial invoice with value and HS codes, and a packing list with contents and weights; these form the basis for the electronic customs declaration. Depending on the type of goods, you may also need additional certificates, such as certificates of origin, health or permits for special products (e.g. hazardous substances or vegetable/food items). Want to know more? Read the article here.

AEO stands for Authorized Economic Operator and is an internationally recognized seal of approval indicating that a company is reliable in its customs and security processes. It means that the company has passed strict compliance, security and administrative requirements and can therefore go through customs faster and with fewer checks on imports and exports. With this, your shipment benefits from faster processing, fewer physical checks and a better reputation in international trade. Want to know more? Read the article here.

With dangerous goods, customs clearance involves additional checks and documents on top of the standard declaration. You must classify the shipment correctly and provide the correct data (such as UN number and safety information), submit the electronic customs declaration, and often provide additional permits or declarations. Customs assesses this and may conduct additional inspections; only when everything is correct and declared safe is the shipment released for transport or delivery. Want to know more? Read the article here.

Food and pharmaceutical products are subject to additional strict rules at customs on top of standard documents such as invoices and packing lists. This means shipments must meet food and product safety standards, correct HS classifications and often require specific certificates, for example, veterinary or phytosanitary declarations for food, and GDP or health certificates for pharmaceutical products. Customs authorities closely monitor these requirements and proper documentation to ensure food safety, product integrity and legal compliance. Want to know more? Read the article here.

Import duties are taxes you pay on the value of imported goods as they enter a country, while excise taxes are additional charges on specific products such as alcohol, tobacco and fuel. Import duties are mainly related to trade protection and market access, and excise duties are designed to price consumption of certain goods. Want to know more? Read the article here.

Customs expertise saves time and costs for export companies by eliminating errors, delays and unnecessary inspections. With correct declarations, proper classifications and timely filing, export and import procedures run more smoothly, with less risk of fines, additional inspections or blockages at customs, shortening turnaround time and reducing administrative burdens. Want to know more? Read the article here.

Customs Opportunities

We offer comprehensive support for various customs formalities related to export, import, storage and transit shipments. In addition, we assist you with veterinary inspections and provide advice on specific customs and tax issues. Request your quote now and experience our service for yourself.