Accounting and tax services for importers and exporters

Expanding into overseas markets or sourcing products from abroad can open up significant growth opportunities for businesses. However, buying and selling goods internationally also involves a complex set of rules, responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.

Customs compliance has come under heightened scrutiny in recent years, with HMRC carrying out audits more frequently than in the past. Although many businesses rely on customs agents, freight forwarders, or other intermediaries to handle declarations and documentation, legal accountability almost always remains with the importer or exporter listed on the customs entry.

For UK businesses involved in global trade, now is an ideal time to review their compliance processes and ensure all customs obligations are being properly met, both within the UK and internationally.

Customs, accounting and tax services for importers/exporters

International trade creates valuable growth opportunities, but it also brings complex customs, tax, and compliance responsibilities. At dns accountants, we provide tailored advice, including accounting and tax advisory services for importers and exporters, helping businesses navigate customs regulations, minimise risk, and remain fully tax compliant with HMRC requirements.

Our experienced customs and indirect tax team supports UK businesses at every stage of the import and export process.

Our customs services

Customs applications and authorisations

We assist businesses with a wide range of customs registrations and approvals, including:

• EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) applications
• Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status
• Other HMRC customs authorisations

We ensure applications are accurate, efficient, and aligned with your wider tax and accounting obligations.

Tariff classification of goods

Correctly classifying goods is essential to ensure the right customs duties and taxes are applied. Our specialists help identify the appropriate commodity codes, reducing the risk of overpayment, penalties, or HMRC challenges.

Customs declarations

At dns accountants, we provide expert support with customs declarations through the UK Customs Declaration Service CDS, which is the mandatory system for submitting import and export declarations to HMRC. CDS is the UK government’s digital platform for processing customs entries when goods move across UK borders and has replaced the previous CHIEF system, offering a secure and compliant way to manage customs data and duties.

Our team assists with the preparation and submission of accurate declarations, ensuring all required information, such as commodity codes, customs valuation, duty calculations, and import VAT, is correctly reported through CDS. Whether you submit declarations in-house or work with an intermediary, we provide practical guidance on registration, system requirements, and ongoing compliance. With our strong understanding of UK customs procedures and tax regulations, we help importers and exporters reduce risk, avoid penalties, and meet their HMRC obligations with confidence.

Customs and trade advice

Whether you require one-off guidance or ongoing support, our customs and tax advisers are available to assist with all aspects of import and export compliance. We provide clear, practical advice tailored to your business operations.

Customs compliance health checks

We carry out detailed reviews of your customs data, declarations, and documentation to:

• Improve duty efficiency
• Identify potential risks
• Ensure compliance with UK and international regulations

These health checks help safeguard your business against future HMRC enquiries or audits.

Customs reliefs and duty reclaims

If you believe customs duties or taxes have been overpaid, or you need support with disclosures, reliefs, or reclaims, our team can manage the process on your behalf and ensure submissions are accurate and compliant.

HMRC customs audit support

If you receive a customs audit or compliance review notice from HMRC, our team will support you throughout the process. We have extensive experience managing audits, responding to enquiries, and mitigating penalties where possible.

Trade controls and licensing

We help ensure your business holds the correct licences and authorisations, with appropriate record-keeping systems in place to meet trade control and compliance requirements.

Customs training for your team

Customs regulations evolve rapidly. We offer bespoke training sessions to equip your staff with the knowledge needed to manage customs processes effectively and confidently in a changing regulatory landscape.

Internal Controls and Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) Support

We help businesses establish robust internal compliance procedures and meet Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements. Our guidance ensures your accounting and tax systems align with HMRC expectations.

Rules of origin and free trade agreements

We advise on determining the economic origin of goods and help businesses maximise benefits available under UK free trade agreements, reducing customs duties where possible.

Special customs procedures

We provide expert support with special customs regimes, including:

• Inward Processing (IP)
• Customs Warehousing (CW)
• Outward Processing (OP)
• Temporary Admission (TA)
• End Use procedures

These schemes can significantly improve cash flow when managed correctly.

Customs valuation

Accurate customs valuation is critical to calculating the correct duties and taxes. We advise on valuation methods and ensure declared values meet HMRC and international rules.

Excise duty advisory services from dns accountants

Excise duty applies to certain goods produced in or imported into the UK, including alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and emerging product categories such as vaping goods.

Our indirect tax specialists provide comprehensive excise duty support, including:

• Excise duty calculations to ensure correct payments
• Advice on excise reliefs, including red diesel and marine voyage relief
• Excise warehousing solutions to suspend duty payments where applicable

Industry-leading accounting services and tax advice for import export businesses

Tax advice and accountancy guidance are essential for businesses trading across international borders.

Our multidisciplinary team includes chartered accountants and chartered tax advisers, ensuring expert, up-to-date support for importers and exporters.

Our experienced accountants help importers and exporters navigate complex financial needs and obligations that come with importing and exporting.

Specialist tax planning services

At dns accountants, we help businesses manage their tax position efficiently through careful planning and well-considered trade structures. Our experienced advisers review your current arrangements and recommend practical strategies designed to reduce tax exposure while remaining fully compliant with UK tax legislation.

Reducing tax exposure through effective trade structuring

A well-structured trading model can significantly affect the tax your business pays. We work closely with you to ensure your commercial activities are structured in a tax-efficient manner, while avoiding arrangements that could unintentionally fall within HMRC’s anti-avoidance rules.

Managing anti-avoidance risks

Anti-avoidance legislation is complex and can apply unexpectedly. Our team reviews your trading activities and existing structures to identify potential risks and, where necessary, recommends alternative approaches to help protect your business from unwanted tax challenges.

Integrated accountancy and tax support

Alongside tax planning, we provide a full suite of accounting and taxation services, giving you a joined up approach to managing your finances. From statutory accounts and compliance to advisory services, we ensure your financial position is robust, transparent, and optimised for growth.

Liaison with HMRC

Dealing with HMRC can be time-consuming and stressful. We act as your point of contact, managing correspondence and discussions on your behalf to ensure your obligations are met accurately and efficiently, giving you peace of mind.

Bespoke advice for international businesses

Every business has different objectives and challenges, particularly when operating across borders. We take time to understand your commercial goals and provide tailored advice on business structures, tax regimes, and operational practices to support your international activities.

Supporting your international growth

International trade can be complex, especially for growing businesses. At dns accountants we are committed to supporting you with clear advice, proactive planning, and ongoing guidance so you can make confident decisions and succeed in global markets.

Supporting importers and exporters with confidence in a global marketplace

At dns accountants, we offer tailored solutions that combine customs expertise with expert accountants and tax advisors to help you remain compliant, commercially competitive and make informed decisions.

Our team will develop tailored financial strategies to guide your business on its financial journey to growth and success. Our experienced professionals deeply understand the international trade landscape and stay up to date with the latest regulations and best practices.

Our team can assist with all the paperwork for cross-border transactions, minimise costs, and handle VAT implications, HMRC regulations, and customs declarations.

If you’re looking for specialist tax and accountancy services for your export and import business, contact us today on 03330886686 , or you can also e-mail us at [email protected].

About the author

Gary Zouvani
I am a qualified chartered management accountant with over 25 years’ experience working in industry and accountancy practise. Currently DNS group operations director I manage over 50 employees as well as head up our accountancy franchise proposition.