Contact Us
Contact Us

Selling Goods to UK Customers – VAT and Import Support for Overseas Businesses

If you’re an overseas business selling goods to customers in the UK — particularly under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms — you’ll face specific UK VAT and customs obligations. At Türner & Co, we specialise in helping businesses like yours navigate these requirements. We work closely with finance and sales managers who need quick, clear, and reliable support — so that you can deliver to your UK customers without delay or risk.

Get in touch
+44 (0) 1636 526 075

Who This Page Is For

This page is for you if:

  • You are based outside the UK.
  • Your UK customers require DDP delivery — like Aldi, Lidl, Wayfair, or other large UK retailers.
  • You don’t have a UK presence but need to import and deliver goods to UK clients.
  • You need a UK VAT ID and EORI number — fast — to begin trading or importing.


We understand the pressures you’re under: time is tight, customers are waiting, and UK VAT rules can seem confusing. That’s where we come in.

How We Can Help

Our tailored VAT and customs services include:

  • Confirming your VAT registration obligations: We assess your trade setup, Incoterms®, and customer contracts to confirm if UK VAT registration is required. Even if it’s not mandatory, we may recommend it to help recover import VAT.
  • Registering for UK VAT and GB EORI: We handle the full registration process with HMRC and obtain a GB EORI number linked to your VAT ID — a critical step for compliant imports.
  • Urgent GB EORI registration: Need to import urgently? We can obtain a standalone GB EORI number quickly. Once your VAT ID is approved, we help adjust earlier import declarations so you can recover VAT.
  • Invoicing guidance: We provide clear advice on invoicing UK customers — even while you are waiting for your VAT ID number. We help avoid errors that can delay payments or lead to penalties.
  • Retrospective VAT registration: Already been importing? We assist with retrospective registration and bring your UK VAT position up to date. Read more about VAT compliance →
  • Customs duty support: We assess whether your goods are subject to UK customs duties — and if Free Trade Agreements can reduce your costs. We also help you apply for a Duty Deferment Account with HMRC.
  • Supporting your logistics provider or customs agent: We’ll give your agents the correct instructions to ensure VAT is recoverable and imports are processed correctly — especially if you’re using Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA).
  • Registering for the Customs Declaration Service (CDS): We make sure you’re correctly registered for the CDS — required for using PVA and managing import VAT via your VAT return.

Why Work with Türner & Co?

  • We specialise in overseas businesses — Our team only works with companies based outside the UK.
  • Fast, practical solutions — We understand time pressures and act quickly to get your registrations sorted.
  • Clear communication — We explain things clearly, and our German-speaking team can support you in your preferred language.
  • End-to-end service — From your first import to your final invoice, we’re with you every step of the way.

FAQs

Yes — overseas companies can import into the UK if they have the correct registrations and use a UK customs agent.

Possibly. There’s a special refund scheme for overseas businesses. We’ll confirm your eligibility and prepare the claim if this applies to you.

Contact Our Experts

If you need to get goods into the UK quickly and don’t yet have a VAT ID or EORI number, contact us today. We’ll take care of the registrations, customs setup, and make sure you’re ready to deliver.

Türner & Co – Helping overseas businesses trade with confidence in the UK.

Michelle Lawrence

Associate Director

VAT

michelle.lawrence@tuerner.com
+44 (0) 1636 526 075

Amanda Bowles

Senior Manager

VAT

amanda.bowles@tuerner.com
+44 (0) 1636 526 075

Main Menu