Importing and Exporting: Packing a Punch at the Border!

Importing and Exporting: Packing a Punch at the Border!

Importing or exporting without the correct registrations and paperwork is like showing up at the airport with no passport or tickets! Chaotic, costly and guaranteed to stop your plans in their tracks. Melissa Carroll – The Customs Agent - breaks it down in this business feature.

Registrations: These are the backstage passes of global trade.

• EORI No.
• TRACES NT Registration
• PHR No.
• AGRIM license
• Inward Processing Authorisation

Without knowing what fits in with your particular process, your goods are not going anywhere, at least not legally or smoothly. Think of them as your customs VIP wristbands: no registration, no entry. So, before you move anything, make sure you have signed up, logged in, prepped and are good to go.

Paperwork: No documents, no clearance, no exceptions! 

• Commercial Invoice: The Beyoncé of paperwork – always front and centre, detailing what the goods are, where they’re from, and how much they’re worth.

• Packing List: Like a CV for your goods – item-by-item breakdown of the shipment.

• Proof of Payment: A bank or credit card statement showing you've paid – "Show them the money!"

• V5 Logbook: Required for any vehicles involved – even your dad’s 1984 Ford Cortina.

• Movement Certificate / EUR.1 / Statement of Origin: VIP badge for your goods under trade deals – helps reduce or eliminate duties.

• Certificate of Compliance: Confirms your goods are legit and meet the necessary standards.

• Bill of Lading: For sea freight – acts as your cargo’s ID, itinerary, and entry pass.

• CMR (Road Freight Document): The road freight equivalent of a Bill of Lading – tracks what’s moving, who's moving it, and where it's going.

• Arrival Notices: The “Honey, I’m home!” of shipping – tells customs your goods have arrived and shares transport details.

• Health / Phytosanitary Certificate: For agricultural or SPS goods – protects borders from pests and diseases. Must be issued within 14 days of departure.

• Common Health Entry Document (CHED): For Agri and SPS goods at the import end – final safety check before the goods are cleared.

• Licenses & Authorisations: Required for certain goods and procedures – check in advance to avoid surprises.

• Pictures: Visual proof of your cargo – shows customs exactly what they’re dealing with.