Customs wants a real product description

Words such as ‘parts’, ‘samples’, ‘gifts’ or ‘accessories’ tell customs almost nothing. Vague descriptions are one of the most common reasons shipments are held for queries.

What a good description includes

• What the item is, in plain words (for example, ‘stainless steel kitchen knife’ rather than ‘kitchenware’).
• What it is made of and what it is used for.
• The commodity code that matches the description.

Why it matters more now

Both UK and EU systems now rely on accurate data before goods arrive. The EU’s ICS2 safety and security system, for example, expects a precise goods description, often alongside a six-digit commodity code, in pre-arrival data. Descriptions that don’t match the goods can lead to holds, inspections and delays.

Fix it at the source

The best time to correct a description is before the supplier prints the commercial invoice. We review product data and classify your range so every declaration starts from the right information.

Find out more about our customs solutions.