Spain → UK Customs Guide
Everything you need to know about customs clearance for road freight from Spain to Great Britain after Brexit.
Overview
Since January 2021, goods moving from Spain to the United Kingdom require full customs declarations at both ends. Spain (as an EU member) handles the export declaration, while the UK requires a separate import declaration. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) allows for zero-tariff, zero-quota trade on goods that meet Rules of Origin requirements.
Trans-road manages the Spanish export declaration and coordinates with your UK customs broker for smooth clearance. Transit time including customs is typically 4–6 working days.
UK Import Requirements
GB EORI Number
Every UK importer must have a valid GB EORI number issued by HMRC. Format: GB + VAT number + 000 (e.g., GB123456789000). Apply at gov.uk — processing takes 5–10 working days.
Customs Broker
You need a designated customs broker or freight forwarder in the UK authorized to submit import declarations on your behalf. Trans-road coordinates with your chosen broker.
Commercial Documentation
Required for every shipment: commercial invoice (with HS codes, goods values, origin), packing list, CMR waybill. Additional: certificates of origin for TCA preferential rates.
Safety & Security Declaration
An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) must be submitted before goods arrive in the UK. This is typically handled by the carrier or customs broker.
TCA Preferential Tariffs
The EU-UK TCA allows zero-duty imports if goods meet Rules of Origin criteria. To claim preferential rates, the exporter must provide a Statement on Origin on the commercial invoice, confirming goods originate in the EU. Without this, standard MFN tariffs apply.
Key requirement: The Statement on Origin must appear on the commercial invoice. Trans-road can advise on the correct wording, but the exporter is responsible for the accuracy of origin claims.
Customs Process Step by Step
Export declaration in Spain
Trans-road prepares and submits the Spanish export declaration (ECS/AES system) before departure. All documentation is verified: commercial invoice, packing list, certificates of origin.
Transit to UK
Goods travel under a T1 transit document from Spain to the UK port of entry. The T1 places goods under customs supervision for the entire journey.
UK border arrival
At the UK border (typically via Channel Tunnel or Dover), the import declaration is submitted by your UK customs broker. The ENS safety declaration must already be in place.
Customs clearance
HMRC processes the import declaration. If all documentation is correct, goods are released. Physical inspections occur on a risk-assessed basis — most shipments clear without inspection.
Final delivery
Once cleared, Trans-road completes delivery to the final UK destination with digital proof of delivery (POD).
Transit Times & Frequency
Spain → UK corridor: 4–6 working days door-to-door including customs processing. We operate 3–4 departures per week from Spain to the UK, covering all major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow.
Cost Factors
Transport rate depends on load size (LDM), pickup and delivery locations, and service speed.
Customs brokerage fees at both ends (export agent in Spain, import broker in UK) — typically charged per declaration.
TCA preferential tariff: zero duty if Rules of Origin are met. Without TCA preference, MFN tariffs apply (varies by product, typically 0–12%).
VAT: UK import VAT (currently 20%) applies. Most businesses reclaim this via their VAT return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a UK EORI number for every shipment from Spain?
You need one EORI number per legal entity. Once registered with HMRC, the same EORI is used for all your UK imports. You don't need to register separately for each shipment.
Can Trans-road handle both export and import customs?
Trans-road manages the full Spanish export declaration. For UK import, you need a UK-based customs broker. We coordinate with your broker to ensure seamless clearance, but the import declaration must be submitted by a UK-authorized agent.
What happens if my goods are inspected at the UK border?
Physical inspections add 1–2 working days. Goods are taken to an inland border facility for examination. Ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to minimize inspection risk. Trans-road's pre-departure document verification reduces the likelihood of issues.
How do I claim zero-duty under the TCA?
Include a Statement on Origin on your commercial invoice confirming goods originate in the EU. The statement must reference the exporter's REX number (for shipments over EUR 6,000) or be a self-certification (under EUR 6,000). Trans-road can advise on the required format.
Ship from Spain to the UK
Export customs managed. 4–6 day transit. 3–4 weekly departures.