Hi Peeps,

Pls is anyone aware of the current charges to clear a 20" container coming into the UK from Naija.


Thanks & God bless you

UK Shipping Line Terminal Handling and Documentation (Third Party Charge) :- You normally have to pay these fees to get your FCL released at the port.---£130 plus £25 for Shipping Line release documentation charges.Additionally, some shipping lines also charge a ‘ships security’ fee known as ISPS, which is normally around £5.

Local Port Levy, Examination, Security / Infrastructure fees, and DTI computer fees (Third Party Charges) :- £30 per import container to cover these fees.

Fee for Customs clearance and import documentation:- Import entry and documentation fee is very roughly £50 including agency but can vary a lot either way depending on the commodity imported and the level of assistance that you require.

Customs Duties and VAT:- The amount of Customs duty you pay on the products imported depends on the relevant Customs commodity codes. Please note, we are happy to assist with classification but the UK importer is ultimately legally responsible for classifying imported goods. When we know the code we can tell you the rate of duty from the Customs Tariff Book. We can also advise on possible import licensing restrictions or reduced rates on importations from countries that have preferential agreements with the EC. VAT will also be payable to Customs on importation at 20% of the value but if you are a VAT registered trader you will be able claim this back against your next return. Duty or VAT may advanced by agent to Customs on your behalf but we usually request immediate reimbursement and a small administration fee (approx £15.00) to cover the cost of the CHAPS transfer or the deferment facility.

Customs examination
If the Customs anti smuggling select your container for a random X-ray examination please note that you may incur an additional charge of about £45 from the port for the work done in presenting the container.

Container delivery
The normal and most cost effective procedure is as follows. Your container is delivered to your premises for unpacking at a pre agreed time but the empty container must be immediately returned to the Shipping Line at the port. The container will therefore remain on the vehicle whilst being unloaded and approx three hours unloading will be allowed. The driver will wait whilst you unload the container but after three hours have elapsed additional ‘demurrage charges’ may apply. Delivery can be arranged for you and the ‘round trip’ price will depend on the distance from the port of arrival to the place of delivery. To deliver a container from the Port of Felixstowe to London and then return the empty to Felixstowe might cost something like £350.00 ‘round trip’. Things like fuel surcharges or tri-axle surcharges (heavy weight container) might influence the final cost.

The price would be similar for either a 40’ or a 20’ container. Some shipping Lines may apply a ‘Lift on Lift Off’ charge for craning the loaded container on to the lorry and craning the empty container off. Please allow approx £44 total for a 20’ delivery and approx £60 total for a 40’ delivery.

Budget like £2500 excluding my fees.


Hope It Helps.

@jslconsulting...This info is very helpful. Much appreciated. Could you please provide your company contact details..... And is this your company website http://www.jlsconsulting.co.uk/blog/

Thanks again

VicAbz. www.jsldirect.co.uk