Who owns what

Why a low unit price still produces a high UK landed cost

Three parties touch uk landed cost, and most disputes come from assuming somebody else owns a step. This is how we split it.

Shipper responsibilities: VAT on customs value

Above the low-value threshold, import VAT and duty apply to the customs value including freight and insurance to the UK border, not just the ex-works price.

We confirm this division in writing before the cargo moves, not after a charge appears.

Forwarder responsibilities: small consignment fees

A small consignment carried by air can cost more per unit in clearance, handling and terminal fees than a consolidated ocean shipment of the same goods.

Our coordinator keeps one owner per step so a handover cannot fall between two teams.

Consignee / broker responsibilities: deferment eligibility

With a valid VAT registration and the right import arrangement, deferment can remove the cash-flow hit even though the tax is still declared.

The consignee sees the same document set, which removes the usual "we never received it" argument.

The failure point we see most often: Comparing supplier quotes on unit price alone and discovering the clearance and VAT lines after the goods arrive.

Have these ready before filing:

Commercial invoice and packing list with matching values and descriptions.
Classification, origin and any licence references used in the declaration.
Booking reference, transport document and the consignee’s broker contact.

Questions importers ask us

Who is responsible for getting this right on a China-origin shipment?

The shipper supplies accurate product and value data; Hovmar Logistics checks the file before submission and coordinates with the destination broker. We confirm the split in writing at booking.

Can Hovmar review this before the cargo leaves Shenzhen?

Yes. Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended classification before cutoff and our customs desk will flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Where this fits in your shipment

Planning a shipment from Shenzhen?

Request a routed freight quote · Chat on WhatsApp · info@hovmar.com

Notes from the Hovmar Logistics customs desk in Shenzhen. Confirm current requirements with your licensed broker before filing.