Change description : 2024-07-26 10:59:00: References to Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) removed as this service is no longer available. [Guidance and regulationBrexit]
If you use roll on roll off locations to transport goods out of the UK, you’ll need to submit customs declarations and pay any Customs Duty, excise duty or VAT due.
You’ll need to include the registration number of the vehicle you’re using to transport your goods on the declaration. Ask the company that’s exporting your goods (usually a haulier) for the number. You’ll need this so you can complete the combined export and safety and security declaration in full.
If you’re transporting unaccompanied goods on a trailer or in a container, you’ll need to include the trailer or container number on your declaration.
Once you’ve submitted the combined customs and safety and security declaration HMRC will send you a notification giving you a route 1, 2, 3 or 6. The meaning of each of those is:
Route 1: Documentary checks required –— send a copy of the export entry and supporting documents by email to the National Clearance Hub and wait for permission to progress to be granted or for further instruction
Route 2: Asks you to make sure the haulier or driver transports your goods to a designated export place or authorised premises, so that we can make customs checks before we give you clearance –— you must supply a copy of the export entry and supporting documents by email to the National Clearance Hub
Route 3: Post departure documentary check –— send a copy of the export entry and supporting documents by email to the National Clearance Hub or post to:
Freepost RTGR-LSCG-LTJS
HM Revenue and Customs
National Clearance Hub
Ralli Quays
3 Stanley Street
Salford
M60 9LA
United Kingdom
If HMRC tells you that you must make your goods available for examination, you should arrange for this at one of these locations. HMRC may ask you to make your goods available for inspection at a specific location.
Exporting excise duty-suspended goods
If you’re exporting excise duty-suspended goods under an electronic administrative document (eAD) using Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS), you must give HMRC a full departure message so that we can complete the export and account for any duty refund or discharge any liability. You can do this by either:
If you’re exporting UK excise duty-paid goods, to claim a refund of UK duty you must satisfy the conditions of drawback. This is where eligible excise goods have not been and will not be consumed in the UK. Goods must either be:
You’ll need to complete a notice of intention to claim drawback and send it to the drawback processing centre. You’ll also need to prepare any documentation you need to accompany the goods.Forexample,theexportdeclarationonCustomsHandlingofImportandExportFreight(CHIEF).
You’ll need to make your goods and any accompanying documentation available for inspection and wait the minimum period of notice in case we decide to inspect. If you’re going to export the drawback goods, this is at least 2 full business days’ notice between the day we get your form and the day you intend to export the goods.
When the notice of intention period ends you’ll be able to export your goods as notified on your form. After you’ve exported your goods you can complete and submit your drawback claim form with supporting evidence.
The processing centre will then process your claim and make a decision about your claim.
Published 4 December 2018
Last updated 2026 JanuaryJuly 20222024
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References to Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) removed as this service is no longer available.
CHIEF will no longer assume departure of goods at any roll on roll off ports after 5 days — CHIEF will now assume departure after 15 days at all locations.
Information about what evidence to retain when exporting excise goods using the Customs Supervised Export (CSE) simplification through a roll on roll off (RoRo) port has been added.