Heathrow warehouse – how our ETSF simplifies customs clearance and air freight forwarding
When importing goods into (or exporting goods out of) the UK, air freight forwarders will likely be transporting goods through the UK's largest airport and international trade hub: Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Once cargo is unloaded from an aircraft, it must be transferred to a warehouse, temporary storage facility or directly to its final destination.
CCL have an ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility) just outside the airport, handling thousands of packages coming into the UK on a daily basis.
Our facility is designed to control costs, improve inventory and simplify customs procedures for businesses moving goods through the UK.
So, how can you transport goods into Heathrow and how can our ETSF benefit your supply chain?
Transporting your goods to Heathrow Airport
Serving as a major global hub with two runways, four active terminals (2, 3, 4 and 5) and connections to over 200destinations, Heathrow handles massive passenger and cargo volumes every single day.
As the UK’s most critical hub for trade and travel and one of the world’s busiest airports, it is the entry point for many goods and products entering the UK by air freight.
To transport goods to Heathrow, businesses typically work with an air freight forwarder. Costs vary depending on factors such as cargo size, weight, urgency and the country of origin.
At CCL, we can connect you with a freight forwarder ideally suited to your logistics needs and the type of goods you’re transporting.
As an approved agent of BIFA (British International Freight Association) and IATA (International Air Transport Association), we have established strong partnerships with the most trusted couriers all over the world to deliver reliable, cost-effective air freight solutions.
Customs clearance on air freight goods
Any goods entering the UK must be supported by highly accurate customs clearance documentation.
Failing to provide correct or complete documentation can result in costly delays, fines or investigations by HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
Due to the complexity of customs procedures, many businesses turn to experienced customs brokers to ensure compliance and keep goods moving efficiently.
As cross-border logistics specialists, CCL provide this support. Our expert team manages customs clearance on your behalf, ensuring all requirements are met quickly and accurately.
Typically, goods can only be released and transported to their final destination once customs formalities are complete. However, with our warehouse located conveniently just outside Heathrow Airport, our process works a little smoother…
CCL’s Heathrow ETSF
In most cases, imported goods will need to be declared to customs and pay duties as they arrive into the UK. However, if goods enter an External Temporary Storage Facility, these payments can be deferred.
An ETSF is a secure, government-approved facility where imported goods are temporarily stored without incurring import duties or customs fees.
At CCL, our ETSF is located just outside London Heathrow Airport, providing immediate storage access for clients importing into the UK’s busiest air cargo hub.
This means we can store goods without the need to make immediate customs declarations or duty payments. Customers benefit from a storage window of up to 90 days, during which nationalisation can be completed before the goods are released for final-mile delivery.
As well as being a far more cost-effective alternative to airline storage, our ETSF gives our clients a competitive advantage, helping them improve cashflow and gain greater control over inventory movement.
In addition to simplifying your customs, our warehouse can also be used as a returns address, allowing you to reclaim any VAT or duty paid whilst the products remain in our warehouse.
CCL – streamlining your import/export logistics
Whether you’re looking to begin importing goods into the UK or improve your existing supply chain, CCL are ideally positioned to support your cross-border operations.
We can ensure your goods reach their final destination without delay or disruption, offering added value services such as:
· Customs Compliance
· HS Code Classification
· Tracking Events
· Seamless Collaboration with the UK’s largest Last Mile Carriers – Royal Mail/Yodel/Evri/DPD and others
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