A car sitting at the port waiting for customs is the thing most people worry about once the shipping is booked. It's rarely the dramatic problem it sounds like. Nearly every customs delay comes down to the same few causes, and nearly all of them can be prevented before the car leaves.
- Usual cause
- Paperwork
- Who clears it
- We do, as HMRC CDS agents
- Biggest risk
- Port storage charges
- Best defence
- Documents ready early
Why cars get held up
Customs needs to know what the car is, what it cost and where it came from. If any of that is missing, doesn't match or can't be checked, the entry stops until it's sorted. The usual reasons are:
- A purchase invoice that doesn't match the value declared
- A VIN or chassis number that differs between the documents and the car
- Missing proof of ownership, or an export document that hasn't arrived
- An old purchase with no recent valuation behind it
- A Transfer of Residence claim made without the HMRC approval in place
- Duty or VAT that hasn't been paid when the entry is made
As you're possibly aware, it only takes one small error for things to go wrong quickly. A transposed digit in a chassis number is enough to hold a car while the paperwork is corrected.
Why a delay costs money
Ports are built to move cars and containers through, not to keep them. Once a container is discharged there's a limited free period, and after that the port and the shipping line start charging for storage and for the container itself. That's why we unload containers at our own private facility where we can, which gives us direct control of the container from the port and keeps the waiting down.
Getting the documents right first time
Before the car leaves
0 of 6 done
Send these to us before the car is collected, not after it has sailed. We check them against each other, and against the car, while there's still time to put anything right. The full list for each situation is in our guide to the paperwork you need.
If your car is already held
Fear not, it's usually fixable. The first step is finding out exactly what customs is waiting for, which is something your agent can see and you can't. Then it's a matter of supplying that one thing quickly.
- Ask your agent what has been requested, in writing
- Send the missing or corrected document the same day if you can
- Don't pay unexplained add-on charges until you know what they are for
- Keep the VIN consistent on everything you send
We make the customs entry ourselves, so there's no chain of agents passing questions between them. It means the person looking at the hold is the person who can fix it.
After customs: NOVA
Clearing customs isn't the end of the HMRC side. Once the car has landed, we also tell HMRC it's here to stay within 14 days, and the DVLA won't register it until that's been processed. Our guide to NOVA explains it.
Questions people ask
How long does customs clearance take?
When the paperwork is complete and matches, it is usually quick. The delays come from missing or mismatched documents, which is why we check them before the car ships.
Will I be charged if customs holds my car?
Port and shipping line storage can be charged once the free period ends. Getting the documents right first is the best way to avoid it.
What is the most common mistake?
A VIN or chassis number that does not match between the documents and the car, or an invoice that does not match the declared value.
Do I need to do anything at the port?
No. We handle the clearance and unloading for you.
Can I clear my own car?
You can, but it means dealing with HMRC systems yourself. We are HMRC CDS authorised agents with in-house customs staff, so most customers hand it to us.
We'd be more than happy to talk through your documents before you ship. Start with a quote and tell us what you have.
