Asendia UK: Frequently Asked Questions

You need accurate item descriptions, HS codes, country of origin, quantity, unit value, total value, currency, and shipper and consignee details. Many lanes also require tax IDs (for example, EORI, IOSS, or recipient identifiers) depending on destination rules and the service used. Clean electronic customs data reduces inspections and delays.

An HS code is a standardised product classification used by customs to calculate duties, apply restrictions, and assess risk. If the HS code is incorrect, your parcel is more likely to be held, reclassified, incorrectly charged, or rejected.

A good description is specific, plain-language, and matches the product. Use material and product type, for example, “men’s cotton T-shirt” rather than “clothes” or “gift”. Better descriptions reduce holds and speed up clearance.

EORI is an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number used for customs processes. UK businesses exporting goods generally need a UK EORI to complete customs formalities and to provide clean export data.

IOSS is the EU’s Import One-Stop Shop for VAT on low-value goods (under the EU threshold) sold to EU consumers. It can simplify VAT handling and reduce surprise charges, but it must be implemented correctly across checkout, invoicing, and customs data.

The most common causes are missing or inconsistent data, vague descriptions, incorrect values, missing country of origin, missing tax IDs, and restricted items. Another common trigger is a mismatch between label data, invoice data, and electronic customs declarations.

Focus on data quality and pre-advice first: accurate product catalogue fields, electronic customs transmission, and consistent documents. Reduce the risk mix by routing restricted items to approved services and pausing lanes you cannot support reliably.

It depends on the lane and the service. Many international shipments require either a commercial invoice or equivalent electronic data. Even when “paperless” is available, you still need accurate invoice-level data.

Clearance models determine who is responsible for paying duties and taxes and how customs fees are processed. The model affects delivery speed, refusal rates, customer satisfaction, and the predictability of your landed cost experience.

Declare each line item with its own description, HS code, origin, quantity, and value, and ensure totals match the order total. Do not lump items into a single generic line, as this increases inspection risk and can lead to incorrect duty calculations.

Customs clearance and compliance - Frequently Asked Questions

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