If you’re a small business in the UK preparing to sell or ship products overseas, understanding customs clearance is essential.
From whether you need a customs form to how long the process takes, this guide offers clear answers to your most common international shipping questions.
Do I Need a Customs Form to Ship Internationally?
Yes. If you are shipping goods from the UK to any country outside the UK, including EU member states, you must complete a customs declaration.
This form provides details about what you’re shipping, its value, and its intended use. Customs authorities in both the UK and the destination country use this information to ensure compliance with import/export laws and to calculate any applicable taxes or duties.
When Is a Customs Form Required?
| Shipping To | Customs Form Needed? | Notes |
| EU countries | Yes | Required since Brexit |
| Non-EU international | Yes | Always required |
| Within the UK | No | Not needed for domestic deliveries |
Types of Forms
- CN22 or CN23: Required for Royal Mail international shipments
- Commercial Invoice: Used with couriers such as DHL, UPS or FedEx
- EORI Number: Mandatory for VAT-registered UK businesses
Many courier and fulfilment services offer automated systems that generate these forms when you book a shipment, helping you stay compliant without additional admin work.
What Is Customs Clearance in Shipping?
Customs clearance is the process of authorising goods to enter or leave a country. It is required at both export (UK) and import (destination country) stages of the shipment.
What the Process Involves
- Document Review
Customs officials examine the customs declaration and supporting paperwork. - Duties and Taxes
Import taxes or VAT may apply depending on the value, classification, and destination. - Inspection and Approval
The shipment is either cleared for delivery or held for further inspection.
Key Terms to Know
| Term | Meaning |
| HS Code | Harmonised tariff code used to classify goods |
| Declared Value | The stated financial value of the items being shipped |
| Import Duty | A tax imposed by the destination country on imported goods |
| VAT | Value-added tax, often charged on imports into countries like the EU |
How Long Does Customs Clearance Take?
Customs clearance times can vary depending on the destination country, courier, and the accuracy of the shipment’s documentation.
| Destination Region | Typical Clearance Time | Notes |
| EU | 1–2 working days | May be faster, but delays are still possible |
| USA | 2–5 working days | Some shipments undergo additional scrutiny |
| Asia | 3–7 working days | Customs requirements vary significantly |
| Australia/New Zealand | 3–6 working days | Usually efficient if paperwork is correct |
Delays may happen for a few different reasons, including:
- Incomplete or inaccurate customs forms
- Use of incorrect HS codes
- Declaring incorrect values
- Random customs inspections
- Shipments flagged as restricted or high-risk
How Fulfilment Companies Help Streamline the Customs Process
For small businesses trying to manage growing international demand, fulfilment companies can play a vital role in simplifying customs and shipping logistics.
A fulfilment provider stores your inventory, picks and packs orders as they come in, and handles the shipping process—including the preparation of all necessary customs documentation.
Benefits of Using a Fulfilment Partner
| Benefit | Description |
| Automated customs paperwork | Systems often auto-generate forms like CN22, CN23, or commercial invoices |
| Compliance expertise | Experienced teams help ensure shipments meet customs requirements |
| Quicker dispatch and clearance | Pre-filled, accurate forms reduce delays and minimise clearance time |
| Integrated shipping solutions | Access to competitive courier rates and global tracking |
| Scalable support | As order volume grows, fulfilment partners scale with your business |
Some UK fulfilment companies also provide seamless integrations with your eCommerce platform, ensuring every order is accurately documented and shipped without manual intervention.
While many of these services operate behind the scenes, they can have a major impact on customer satisfaction and delivery times.
A courier or fulfilment partner with international experience can offer guidance and practical tools to help ensure your parcels clear customs quickly and reach customers efficiently.
Final Thoughts
International shipping is a fantastic growth opportunity for small businesses, but it comes with complexity.
From customs forms to clearance times, understanding the process can help you avoid delays and provide a smoother experience for your customers.
For many small businesses, partnering with a fulfilment provider can help reduce the burden of documentation and improve delivery speed.
If you’re just starting to ship internationally or looking to scale, it’s worth exploring fulfilment and courier services that offer customs support as part of their solution.
