Customs Warehousing Support
Customs warehousing allows eligible non-UK goods to be stored under customs control with import duty and import VAT suspended until their final destination is known. Cartwright CS supports businesses and logistics operators with declarations into, within and out of customs warehouse arrangements.
We are Cartwright Customs Services
Cartwright CS Ltd is a UK customs broker and customs agent based in Southampton, Hampshire. We support businesses, freight forwarders, hauliers and private clients with customs declarations, border documents and practical coordination across the UK and Europe.
Our approach is simple: gather the right information early, explain what is needed in plain English and keep the customs paperwork connected to the real movement of the goods.
What this service covers
- Declarations placing goods into customs warehousing
- Release to free circulation when goods enter the UK market
- Re-export and transit declarations from warehouse
- Transfers and removals under approved arrangements
- Document and inventory reference checks
- Coordination with warehouse keepers and freight partners
- Support for authorisation and procedure questions
- Eligibility, authorisation and documentary requirements depend on the goods, route and circumstances of each movement.
Who we help
- Importers holding stock before sale
- Distributors serving UK and overseas markets
- Freight forwarders and warehouse operators
- Businesses importing high-value or duty-bearing goods
- Companies consolidating, splitting or re-exporting consignments
Why this service matters
A customs warehouse can delay the cash cost of import charges and avoid UK duty on goods that are re-exported, but only while the stock remains under strict customs and inventory control. Every receipt, permitted handling operation and removal must be recorded correctly.
How Cartwright CS helps
We align the customs declaration with the warehouse inventory and the commercial plan for the stock. We coordinate releases, re-exports and transit movements so the warehouse record and HMRC declaration tell the same story.
Common challenges we solve
- Warehouse references missing from declaration instructions
- Stock released commercially before customs clearance
- Quantity differences after splitting or consolidation
- Unclear responsibility between depositor and warehouse keeper
- Goods staying longer than commercially intended
- Incorrect procedure used for a warehouse removal
How the process works
- Confirm the approved warehouse and intended stock flow.
- Send the commercial, transport and warehouse instruction data.
- We check the procedure, references and any guarantee requirements.
- The goods are declared to the warehouse procedure.
- The warehouse controls and records the goods.
- We prepare the correct removal, re-export or free-circulation declaration when instructed.
Why choose Cartwright CS
We support the customs procedures around authorised customs warehouses without suggesting that Cartwright operates the storage facility. We help align declarations with warehouse instructions, inventory records and the intended use of the goods.
We can coordinate the appropriate release, re-export or transit declaration when stock is moved, which is especially important when shipments enter or leave storage in stages.
Location and coverage
We are based in Southampton, close to Southampton and Portsmouth, and support customs movements across the UK. Depending on the service and route, we can assist with movements through Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Felixstowe, Tilbury, London Gateway, Liverpool, Grangemouth, Immingham, Harwich and other UK locations, as well as coordinated European movements.
Frequently asked questions
What is a customs warehouse?
It is an authorised place where eligible imported goods can be stored under customs control with import charges suspended.
Is there a fixed storage time limit?
Customs warehousing generally has no standard maximum period, although authorisation conditions, goods restrictions and commercial charges still apply.
When are duty and VAT paid?
Usually when goods are released to free circulation. Goods re-exported may leave without UK import charges becoming due.
Can goods be repacked or handled?
Certain usual forms of handling may be allowed, but the warehouse authorisation and records must cover the activity.
Do you operate a customs warehouse?
We provide customs declaration and coordination support and can work with approved warehouse partners; facility availability is confirmed case by case.
Need to place, move or release goods under customs warehousing?
Contact Cartwright CS with the warehouse and shipment details.