A Guide to Importing and Special Procedures
Reduce Import Risk, Control Duty Costs & Clear Goods Correctly — Master UK Import Procedures in One Day
Practical import training covering supplier risk, commodity codes, origin, import controls, customs clearance, duties and special procedures — so you can import confidently, reduce delays and control costs.
Format: Live, interactive online training via Zoom, with Q&A and practical exercises
Duration: Full day — 9:30am to 3:30pm
£320 + VAT per delegate
Includes course materials and 30 minutes of free Helpdesk time for follow-up questions after the session.
Contact us for group or bespoke training pricing.
- Outcome-led: Leave with a practical import framework you can apply immediately
- Risk reduction: Reduce costly errors in customs, documentation, duties and VAT
- Support available: Import training or specialist customs support — whichever you need
Why This Import Course Matters Now
Import mistakes rarely stay contained as minor admin issues — they create delays, unexpected costs, duty problems, compliance exposure and pressure on internal teams. Many businesses rely on freight forwarders, inherited processes or third-party assumptions without fully understanding where responsibility sits. This course provides a structured, practical framework to help you plan imports properly, complete the right documentation, manage customs clearance correctly and understand where special procedures may reduce duty costs.
What You Will Learn
- Define an import and understand the process flow
- Assess supplier and country risk before purchase
- Classify goods using the correct commodity code and determine their origin
- Identify import controls, licences, and certifications needed
- Apply Incoterms® 2020 to import contracts
- Understand and prepare standard and preference documentation
- Manage purchase orders for imported goods
- Organise the movement of goods and complete import clearance
- Use the Customs Declaration Service for imports
- Calculate and manage import duties and taxes
- Gain awareness of special procedures such as Inward Processing (IP) and Outward Processing (OP)
Need Practical Support?
If you would prefer expert support alongside import training, these are the most relevant next steps:
- Customs Export & Import Declarations — managed customs support to reduce errors, delays and clearance problems
- Customs Authorisations & Special Procedures — practical support if you need help using special procedures such as Inward Processing
Not sure which route is best? Talk to an Import Specialist.
Recommended Next Steps
Other courses to help you on your journey:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Importing and Special Procedures training course cover?
This course explains the full process of importing goods into the UK, including supplier checks, commodity codes, origin, documentation, customs clearance, duties and VAT. It also introduces special customs procedures such as Inward Processing and Outward Processing.
Is this course suitable for beginners or experienced import staff?
Yes. The course is designed for both beginners and experienced staff involved in importing goods. It gives newer delegates a clear process to follow and helps experienced teams strengthen their understanding of customs procedures, documentation and compliance responsibilities.
Can this course be delivered privately for our team?
Yes. Contact us for group or bespoke pricing and we’ll recommend the most effective format for your team.
What are the main steps in the UK importing process?
The UK importing process usually involves checking the supplier and country risk, identifying the correct commodity code and origin, confirming whether licences or controls apply, preparing the right documents, arranging transport and customs clearance, and paying import duty and VAT where required.
What documents are required when importing goods into the UK?
Common import documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document such as a bill of lading or air waybill, and the import customs declaration. Some goods also need licences, certificates of origin or preference documents depending on the product and country involved.
What is a commodity code and why is it important for imports?
A commodity code is the classification number used to identify goods for customs purposes. It helps determine the duty rate, whether licences or controls apply, and whether goods qualify for any trade agreement preference, so using the correct code is essential for import compliance.
What are special procedures in UK customs?
Special procedures are customs arrangements that allow businesses to delay, reduce or manage import duties when bringing goods into the UK. Examples include Inward Processing, Outward Processing and Customs Warehousing.
What is Inward Processing and when should businesses use it?
Inward Processing is a customs procedure that allows goods to be imported without paying import duties if they will be processed, repaired or incorporated into products that are later exported. It is often used by businesses that manufacture, process or repair goods before re-exporting them.
“Exporter Services carried out some training for the company I work for recently and it was so informative! We all learnt a great deal and will definitely continue to use Exporter Services for import/export queries in the future.”
Booking Options
Whether your organisation can book instantly or needs to follow a formal approval route, the process is simple and transparent.
Option 1 — Book & Pay Now
- Secure your place instantly by card payment via our Book Now button
- Receive a confirmation email immediately
- Shortly before the course, we’ll send your handout and Zoom link
Option 2 — Request an Invoice
- Request a quote using the form at the bottom of the page for the number of delegates attending
- Once you confirm, we’ll issue an invoice for immediate payment
- On payment, your place is secured and we’ll send your handout and Zoom link before the session
Download our latest training brochure here.
Ready to get started?
Book now or request a quote using the form below.
£320 + VAT per delegate
Full day (09:30–15:30) • Live online via Zoom
Includes course materials + 30 mins Helpdesk follow-up.