Marine customs clearance for yachts, boats and ship projects
Cartwright CS Ltd is a UK customs broker and customs agent based in Southampton, Hampshire. We help yacht owners, shipbuilders, boatyards, and repairers move boats and boat parts into and out of the UK. We do it accurately, quickly, and with clear communication from customs declaration to delivery.
We are Cartwright Customs Services
We make customs clearance simple, accurate, and stress‑free, even for high‑value marine projects.
Whether you need yacht import customs clearance in the UK, a T1 transit, or end-to-end coordination with yards and carriers, we handle the HMRC paperwork and arrange onward freight when required.
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We’re trusted by marine clients across the UK and are proud members of British Marine.
Who we work with
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Yacht owners and representatives
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Boat builders and shipyards
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Marine engineering and repair companies
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Brokers, dealers and refit managers
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Marinas and storage facilities
Why partner with Cartwright CS for marine import/export?
Built for complex, high‑value shipments
We work with marine consignments—from complete yachts to engines, rigging, electronics, and specialist parts ensuring each declaration is accurate the first time to protect asset value and timelines.
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Speed, compliance, confidence
Accurate submissions and proactive comms minimise delays, demurrage, and storage costs while meeting UK customs and export control standards.
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A specialist customs partner
We act as an extension of your team - yacht owners, ship builders, repairers and yards - bringing big‑company quality with small‑company care.
What we do for the marine sector
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Marine customs clearance UK (imports and exports)
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Yacht customs clearance UK (temporary admission, ToR where applicable, RGR where eligible)
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Boat and ship customs clearance UK (new build, refit, repair, warranty returns)
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CDS declarations, duty/VAT guidance, and HMRC liaison
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Transit documentation (e.g., T1 departures and discharges) and border formalities
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Coordination of all involved parties, including ports and carriers
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Onward freight and haulage arrangement when required (trusted partners, tracked end‑to‑end)
Location coverage
Based in Southampton, Hampshire, near the major ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, we work across all road and sea ports - bonded and non-bonded - throughout the UK, including:
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Southampton
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Portsmouth
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Felixstowe
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Tilbury
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London Gateway
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Liverpool
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Grangemouth
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Immingham
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Harwich
Regardless of the ports your shipments travel through, our team ensures consistent, compliant HMRC processing and provides clear updates.
Membership and standards
We’re active members of British Marine, supporting the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry.
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Our approach combines specialist knowledge, efficient processes, and transparency, ensuring that vessels, parts, and equipment move smoothly, on time, and in full compliance.
Challenges we solve for marine repair and manufacturing companies
High‑value, complex consignments
Detailed documentation and accurate classification reduce risk and protect project budgets.
Dual‑use and export control compliance
We help you avoid regulatory breaches with correct licensing pathways and controls awareness.
Multi‑party coordination
We liaise with yards, carriers, surveyors and terminals to keep everyone aligned and timelines intact.
Needs we meet:
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Specialist knowledge
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Accurate documentation
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Timely clearance
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Motivations:
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Minimise risk
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Protect asset value
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Meet project deadlines
Challenges we solve for private yacht owners
Yacht movements often involve unique ownership structures, temporary admission, proof of EU/UK VAT status, and complex itineraries.
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We provide step‑by‑step guidance and clear document lists.
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See our customs guidance for yacht owners.
Why switch to Cartwright CS if you already have a customs services provider?
Higher quality submissions
Incomplete or incorrect paperwork causes delays and overpayments. We apply step‑by‑step QA, checklists, and validation before submission to reduce human error and queries.
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Reliable onward freight coordination
We work exclusively with trusted partners in the UK and worldwide, monitoring performance, offering auto container tracking, and maintaining open communication to prevent unexpected expenses.
Big‑company processes, small‑company care and attention
Rigorous PM and documented workflows, plus a responsive team that knows your vessel and parts list by name.
How we work: simply, transparently, predictably
1. Scope and document capture
We confirm correct documents for the route and port/terminal, as well as offer guidance on valuations, origin and any related licensing or approvals.
2. Pre‑clearance review
Classification and duty/VAT approach (including ToR, TA, RGR where applicable) agreed up‑front to prevent rework.
3. Declarations and HMRC handling
Precise CDS entries submitted; we manage any HMRC queries and keep you informed at each milestone.
4. Port coordination and release
Terminal liaison for smooth release and minimal dwell time; issues escalated early with options.
5. Onward freight (optional)
When required, we arrange haulage or delivery with vetted partners, sharing live updates through completion.
What you can expect
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Fast response and clear communication
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Accurate, compliant declarations for yachts, boats and marine parts
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Proactive updates and issue‑prevention
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Coverage across UK ports (bonded and non‑bonded)
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A partner focused on protecting your timelines and reputation
Micro‑FAQs for marine teams
Do you handle both imports and exports for yachts and parts?
Yes we can help with all customs procedures for yacht, boat and ship movements in and out of the UK, including refit/repair scenarios.
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Can you assist with T1/Transit?
Absolutely, we can arrange T1s and manage all related transit formalities.
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Do you only operate in Southampton and Portsmouth?
We’re based in Southampton but operate nationwide across all UK ports and airports.
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Can you advise on duty/VAT and reliefs?
We guide on eligibility and documentation for reliefs such as Temporary Admission and Returned Goods Relief, and handle the declarations.
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Can you arrange onward freight?
Yes. When required, we’ll arrange haulage with trusted local partners and keep you updated.
