Why Dover Matters
Dover is one of the UK's most important gateways for trade with Europe, handling an enormous share of roll-on roll-off (RoRo) freight. With so much cargo moving through a single port, even small paperwork errors can cause expensive delays. A 24/7 customs clearance facility at Dover keeps goods moving around the clock.
The Documents You Need
For most import clearances you will need:
- A commercial invoice
- A packing list
- The transport document (CMR for road freight)
- The importer's EORI number
- Any licences or certificates required for your specific goods
Having these ready before your trailer reaches the port is the best way to prevent hold-ups.
Pre-Lodging Your Declaration
The most effective way to clear quickly is to pre-lodge the customs declaration before the goods arrive. When the declaration and the physical movement are linked correctly, goods can be released with minimal waiting. This is especially important at RoRo ports where vehicles cannot queue indefinitely.
Common Causes of Delay
- Incorrect or missing commodity codes
- Mismatched values between invoice and declaration
- Missing EORI registration
- Goods requiring additional checks or certificates
How We Help
Our team offers free advice on how to prevent delays and additional costs wherever possible, and all operations follow AEO procedures for consistent quality. Whether you import regularly or just occasionally, we handle the declaration end to end so your goods clear without surprises. Contact us for a quote or for help with a specific shipment.