Importing from outside the EU

[AnnaE-J]

I am about to start up a company importing products mainly food from outside of the E.U. Does anyone know the best way to go about this? I understand that I will have to pay duty on this on entry according to the commodity codes and fill out a C88 form. Is it better to go with an importing agent who specialises in this? Any advise as to the best way to go about this would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Anna

[Anglo-Sino]

I personally would use a shipping agent initially to organise the importation. The process can be a minefield and for what the agents charge it is worthwhile using their services. They can handle the paperwork etc for you. All this said it also depends on how you are shipping. Air freight, Sea freight LCL/FCL.

[JayKay]

There is no the same policy for any country. I have imported products from outside EU but from a European country and all I had to pay was the VAT on import. After a while I claimed back from HMC&E.

If there is something I could help please drop me an email to oliviu@3rdesign.co.uk.

HMC&E and also DTI are the best to help you with all these.