HMRC email updates, videos and webinars about importing and exporting
Learn about about importing and exporting goods.
Subscribe to receive email updates
Subscribe to the HMRC help and support email service to get information on a wide range of topics for individuals, businesses, employers and agents.
You can also:
- make changes to your topic subscriptions
- unsubscribe from the service whenever you want
Registering and joining webinars
You can register for webinars in advance but we recommend you join each webinar 5 minutes before the start.
The Customs Declaration Service
How to subscribe
Watch a video about how to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service.
How to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service.
You will learn about:
- how to create an account
- what you’ll need to create an account
- how to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service
How to set up a Direct Debit instruction when only one signature is required
Watch a video about how to set up Direct Debit instructions for a duty deferment account when only one signature is required.
How to set up a Direct Debit instruction when multiple signatures are required
Watch a video about how to set up Direct Debit instructions for a duty deferment account when multiple signatures are required.
How to set up a Direct Debit instruction when multiple signatures are required.
How to use the secure file upload service
Watch a video about how to access the secure file upload service on the Customs Declaration Service.
How to use the secure file upload service.
How to set up a standing authority
Watch a video about how to set up a standing authority on the Customs Declaration Service.
How to set up a standing authority.
You will learn about:
- how to set up a standing authority on the Customs Declaration Service
- what they can be set against
- how to manage standing authorities
How to use your customs financial accounts
Watch a video about how to use your customs financial accounts, including the cash account, duty deferment account and general guarantee account.
How to use your customs financial accounts.
How to complete an import declaration
Watch a collection of videos about customs clearance instructions so you can find out how to complete an import declaration in the Customs Declaration Service.
You will learn about:
- how to identify the declaration category
- how to identify the commodity code
- how to identify the procedure code
- how to identify the permitted additional procedure code
- how to identify the additional procedure code
- how to identify the additional information statement code
- how to identify the specific document and reference code
- how to review completion guidance
- how to complete the customs declaration
Customs import declarations — an overview
Watch a video about an overview of customs import declarations.
Customs import declarations — an overview.
You will learn about:
- customs import declarations on controlled goods imported into Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) from the EU
- the process for simplified, supplementary declarations and delayed import declarations for import goods which are not controlled for up to 31 December 2021
- important terminology
Exporting — what you need to do to keep your goods moving
Watch a video about exporting — what you need to do to keep your goods moving.
Exporting — what you need to do to keep your goods moving.
You will learn about what actions you need to take to export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
We will provide a run through of the main export processes, including:
- staged border controls
- zero-rated VAT
- customs declarations
- using an intermediary
- what licences, certificates and authorisations you may need
Exporting — sending goods outside Great Britain (including to EU countries) by post, courier or fast parcel operator
Watch a video about the new rules when you send goods in parcels to customers or businesses abroad.
How to complete an export declaration
Watch a collection of videos about customs clearance instructions so you can find out how to complete an export declaration in the Customs Declaration Service.
You will learn about:
- how to identify the declaration category
- how to identify the commodity code
- how to identify the procedure code
- how to identify the permitted additional procedure code
- how to identify the additional procedure code
- how to identify the additional information statement code
- how to identify the specific document and reference code
- how to review completion guidance
- how to complete the customs declaration
Online Trade Tariff
Watch a video about the UK Online Trade Tariff.
What is the Online Trade Tariff
You will learn about:
- how to navigate the Online Trade Tariff tool
- the key features of the tool to help you classify your goods
- duty rates
- import controls to help you complete your import and export declarations
UK Freeports
Recorded webinar
Watch a recorded webinar about UK Freeports.
You will learn about:
- an overview of UK Freeports
- tax and customs benefits for 2 different businesses
Getting someone to deal with customs for you — how freight forwarders can help
Watch a video about getting someone to deal with customs for you — how freight forwarders can help.
Getting someone to deal with customs for you — how freight forwarders can help.
How a customs intermediary or agent can help you
Watch a video about how a customs intermediary or agent can help you.
How can a customs intermediary or agent help me?
How to check if you can delay customs payments and declarations
Watch a video about how to check if you can delay customs payments and declarations.
How to check if you can delay customs payments and declarations.
How to import
Watch a video about how to import.
You will learn about:
- what actions you need to take to import goods into Great Britain from the EU (except Ireland) or rest of world countries, now full customs controls are in place
- what these new controls mean for your business
- how to get ready to import
- who can help you
Importing parcels into Great Britain from other countries by post or courier
Watch a video about importing parcels into Great Britain by post or courier.
Importing parcels into Great Britain by post or courier.
You will learn about:
- the import declarations required
- customs duty and VAT on imported goods and claiming
Rules for carrying commercial goods in your baggage
Watch a video about new rules for carrying commercial goods in your baggage.
New rules for carrying commercial goods in your baggage.
Rules for exporting goods to Europe from Great Britain
Watch a video about new rules for exporting goods to Europe from Great Britain.
New rules for exporting goods to Europe from Great Britain.
Rules for making cash declarations
Watch a video about new rules for making cash declarations.
New rules for making cash declarations.
Rules for travelling with goods for personal use
Watch a video about new rules for travelling with goods for personal use.
New rules for travelling with goods for personal use.
Rules of origin
Watch a video about rules of origin.
You will learn about:
- rules of origin
- what is needed to meet the rules so that you can claim preferential tariffs when trading with the EU
- how to classify goods by finding the correct commodity code
- how to check if goods meet the rules of origin
- how to get proof that goods meet the rules of origin
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary
Watch a video about trader responsibilities when using an intermediary.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary.
You will learn about your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary from 1 January 2021.
What commodity codes are
Watch a video about commodity codes.
What controlled goods are
Watch a video about controlled goods.
HMRC community forums
You can use the online HMRC community forums to ask questions, see what others are asking and get answers.
Updates to this page
Last updated
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The recorded webinar for UK Freeports has been updated and the recorded webinar for 'Importing — steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration' has been removed.
Update history
2025-05-27 09:15
The link to the HMRC community forums has been removed as these forums will close on 30 June 2025.
2025-01-30 15:21
The recorded webinar for UK Freeports has been updated and the recorded webinar for ‘Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration’ has been removed.
2024-04-16 12:22
A video about the UK Online Trade Tariff has been added and the link for a recorded webinar for UK Freeports has been updated.
2024-01-23 13:55
Link to a series of videos about how to complete an import declaration has been updated. A new section and a new link to a series of videos about how to complete an export declaration has been added.
2023-07-31 09:42
A video about importing parcels into Great Britain by post or courier has been added.
2023-04-05 11:55
A link to a recorded webinar about UK Freeports and the possible benefits of locating in a Freeport customs site has been added.
2023-03-31 11:39
The link to the recorded webinar about ‘Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration’ has been updated.
2022-09-22 16:25
First published.