National Clearance Hub

The main responsibilities of the NCH are:

• processing all import and export entries selected for further checks
• inputting manual import and export entries
• inputting manual requests for export arrival and departure loading information
• controlling un-entered goods for inventory linked ports and airports
• authorising and amending inventory records and removals
• the control of goods imported under specific import regimes

Service levels you can expect from the NCH

The NCH aims to clear all Direct Trader Input (DTI) Route 1 entries within two hours from the time of receipt. For pre-lodged entries, the NCH aims to clear within two hours of the vessel or aircraft's arrival. These times depend on all the relevant paperwork being presented, complete and correct.

Route 1 entries are dealt with in the order that they are presented at the NCH and no priority is given to specific locations or type of goods, including perishables.

Goods that require exceptional treatment are: 

• fireworks and explosives
• live animals
• human remains

When sending these entries to the NCH, you should show clearly what the goods are Trader Submission header form you send.

Read more about declarations and the Single Administrative Document.

Customs Input Entries (CIE)

You can fax, email or post copies of entries and supporting documents to the National Clearance Hub (NCH) for customs input, processing and clearance.

You will need to provide the NCH with:

• a fully completed Single Administrative Document - form C88
• evidence of the goods' value
• packing list of items included
• any appropriate licence or certificate

When sending entries, you should use an appropriate header, clearly marked 'CIE imports', to avoid delays to clearance. For more information, you can contact the NCH Enquiry Line on Tel 03000 588 453 or see how to contact the National Clearance Hub.

The NCH will return any queries or entries requiring amendment by email, fax or post.

The NCH processes CIE requests between 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. It aims to clear all CIE Route 1 entries within 12 working hours from the time of receipt - provided all the relevant paperwork is presented, complete and correct.

HMRC no longer issue C&E 386 and C&E 388. After all the checks are complete and satisfied, the importers details are placed on Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA). The Service Level Agreement on cars is 3 working days. The NCH is a processing office only and doesn't give general advice about importing motor vehicles.

For general advice on importing motor vehicles contact the HMRC VAT Helpline on Telephone: 0300 200 3700.

Forms required to import vehicles

You will have to submit specific forms when importing a vehicle. The form needed depends on your reasons for importing the vehicle.

If you are a private importer paying VAT/duty you must submit:

• form C 384
• a copy of the customs entry and invoice
• any other available supporting documentary evidence of the sale
• form C&E109 Import and Export: private motor vehicle application for release for conditions of relief is required if there was no custom declaration instead of a C384.

If you are an importer using transfer of residence (TOR) procedures you must submit:

• form C 104A
• a copy of Customs overseas entry registration form
• any other supporting evidence to justify TOR relief, eg overseas insurance documents or the invoice from overseas purchase
• C104A application for transfer of residence - this document can be downloaded or alternatively you can order it from Telephone: 0300 200 3700
• proof of residency, an official/commercial document which shows clearly that the importer declared on form C104A and form C21 Import and export: customs clearance request was living abroad for at least 12 months prior to the date they became resident in the UK, eg a utility bill, bank statement etc
• proof of ownership for the vehicle, an official/commercial document which shows clearly that the importer declared on form C21 and form C104A has owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least 6 months prior to the date they became resident in the UK, eg insurance documents, title document etc

Importers must have lived outside the European Community for 12 months and have owned the vehicle for six months.

If you are an importer claiming returned goods relief (RGR) you must submit:

• form C 179B
• a copy of customs entry certificate
• the vehicle's export certificate
• the vehicle's overseas registration document
• any other supporting evidence of eligibility for RGR

Importers must have owned the vehicle prior to exportation and must re-import it within three years. You must also be able to provide documentary proof of these facts.

The NCH does not issue documents for VAT-registered traders, who should now input the details onto NOVA or alternatively contact Dover Personal Transport Unit (PTU).

For general enquires regarding import, export, international trade and the National Cearance Hub (NCH) please contact the HMRC Customs and International Trade Helpline on Telephone: 0300 200 3700.

You can also contact NCH using an online form, webchat or by post. Contact the National Clearance Hub.

Complaints

If you have any complaints regarding the NCH you can contact them by email: noscomplaintsteamgrimsby@hmrc.gov.uk or by Telephone: 0300 200 3700. If you wish to send a complaint by post the address is:

Freepost RTGR-LSCG-LTJS
HM Revenue and Customs
National Clearance Hub
Ralli Quays
3 Stanley Street
Salford
M60 9LA