our Customs consultancy services
We are specialists in Customs Consultancy
AEO Application Management
VARTAN is one of the UK’s leading AEO consultants. We’ve helped over 100 companies achieve this game-changing ‘trusted trader’ certification
AEO Maintenance
Ensure continued status compliance with a regular AEO health check. Achieving AEO status marks the end of a lengthy internal process and successful auditing by HMRC.
Simplified Declaration Procedure
Simplified Declaration Procedures (SDP) is the new name for Customs Freight Simplified Procedures (CFSP). These help reduce the cost and administration of customs declarations.
Customs Compliance
Ensuring Accuracy, Avoiding Penalties, and Optimising Trade, customs compliance is also key in obtaining approvals such as AEO
Customs Clearance Services
We offer complete customs clearance for importers and exporters in the UK and EU
Customs Training
Customs systems are constantly evolving so we provide bespoke customs training tailored to the specific needs of businesses navigating complex trade regulations
Customs Warehousing
VARTAN will work with you to assess whether Customs Warehousing is beneficial for your business, then help you to implement sustainable systems
Get Expert Help with ETSF & ITSF Compliance
Setting up and operating an ETSF or ITSF requires specialist knowledge to secure authorisation, ensure compliance, and optimise your storage operations
“The VARTAN team made the AEO application process trouble free. The consultants were on hand to help and assist at every stage right through to the day we became accredited. VARTAN come highly recommended if you want to be assured your applications are of the right standard.”
Jon Swallow
Jordon Freight
“I would like to thank VARTAN for assisting us to gain AEO status. They made the whole process so much easier, always there to help when it was needed. Very professional in their approach and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend VARTAN.”
Alison Coleman
Prologic Services Ltd
“I could not have done it without VARTAN. Miles and the team guided me through the labyrinth of information and terminology with patience and understanding. VARTAN were able to advise me on all areas of the complicated process of imports and exports as well as taking me through the application for a Customs warehouse (now granted).”
Caroline Norris
Mutt Motorcylces
“The VARTAN team have knowledge of all areas of the international freight and logistics business, way beyond their perceived areas of expertise. This enables them to know what it is that makes a company ‘tick’ and to provide value beyond just their consultancy services.”
Simon Fraser
Lombard Shipping
“I unreservedly recommend VARTAN to any company considering applying for AEO accreditation. They have shown themselves to be valuable, reliable partners. Without their expertise, knowledge and support we would not have achieved this success.”
Rod Prince
Trouw Nutrition GB
“VARTAN project managed our AEO application with first class knowledge and efficiency. Their experience in customs and safety practices is excellent and we would recommend any company interested in applying for AEO to use VARTAN to manage the application.”
Tracy Sneyd
Polyflor Ltd
“Thank you assisting us to gain AEO status and for providing a first class service. It made the process so much more enjoyable having VARTAN on board and AEO will benefit us as a company in this ever changing world.”
Cathy Arbon
Locher Evers International
“Without the expertise and experience of the team at VARTAN we would never have gained our AEO accreditation. With the all hard work taken away we could get on with business as usual. The consultants went so far beyond the call of duty that I could not rate them more highly.”
John Aperghis
Harrison & Clough
“VARTAN’s professional team made the whole application and inspection process a pain-free experience. Their hands-on approach and attention to fine detail was key to us gaining our AEO accreditation quickly and seamlessly.”
John White
Sunbury Logistics
“It could not have been easier once we contracted in VARTAN to help us gain AEO accreditation. This was sorted with minimum impact on the day to day running of the office. Job well done!”
Jason Flower
KWL Logistics
Why Work With Vartan?
We Take the Worry Out of Importing & Exporting
Working with VARTAN means partnering with a team that takes the worry out of importing and exporting, ensuring your business remains compliant, efficient, and competitive. With extensive expertise in customs compliance, AEO accreditation, and trade regulations, we simplify complex procedures and help you navigate HMRC requirements with confidence. Our tailored Management of Trade Compliance (MOT) service identifies risks, streamlines processes, and unlocks opportunities for authorisations that enhance your supply chain. Whether you’re tackling customs clearances, trade audits, or regulatory changes, VARTAN provides proactive support and practical solutions so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the compliance.
What does a customs consultancy do?
A customs consultancy helps businesses navigate the complexities of international trade by ensuring compliance with customs regulations, reducing risks, and optimising supply chain efficiency. VARTAN Consultants take the worry out of customs compliance, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while we handle the complexities of international trade. We also assist with customs audits, declarations, and documentation to prevent delays and penalties. By staying up to date with regulatory changes, working with a customs consultancy ensures businesses remain compliant while identifying opportunities for cost savings and smoother trade operations.
Do I need Customs Training or Customs Consultancy?
If your business is involved in importing or exporting goods, you may be wondering whether you need customs training or customs consultancy. Customs training is ideal if you want to build in-house expertise, ensuring your team understands key compliance requirements, tariff classifications, and documentation processes. This is particularly useful for businesses looking to handle their own customs declarations or improve efficiency. On the other hand, customs consultancy provides expert guidance and hands-on support to navigate complex regulations, secure HMRC authorisations, or resolve compliance issues. If you lack internal resources or face specific challenges, consultancy ensures tailored solutions to keep your trade operations running smoothly. Many businesses benefit from a combination of both—training for long-term capability and consultancy for immediate, expert-led problem-solving.
What differentiates vartan’s services from others?
As trusted experts in customs consultancy, VARTAN ensure your business remains compliant with ever-changing regulations, minimising risks and optimising supply chain efficiency. From securing HMRC authorisations like AEO status to managing customs declarations, audits, and duty relief schemes, we provide tailored solutions that keep your goods moving smoothly. Our proactive approach not only prevents costly delays and penalties but also identifies opportunities for cost savings—so you can concentrate on growing your business while we take care of the compliance.Consultants provide expert guidance on import and export procedures, tariff classifications, duty relief schemes, and HMRC authorisations such as AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status.
My business is scheduled for a customs audit. Where do I start?
If your business is scheduled for a customs audit, preparation is key to ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties. Start by reviewing your customs processes, documentation, and record-keeping to ensure they align with HMRC regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get ready:
- Gather Essential Records – Ensure all import/export declarations, invoices, classification codes, valuation documents, and duty payments are organised and readily available.
- Review Compliance Procedures – Check that your customs processes follow current legislation, including duty reliefs, special procedures, and licensing requirements.
- Conduct an Internal Audit – Identify any potential compliance gaps by reviewing past declarations and trade activities.
- Check Authorisations – If you hold AEO status or use simplified procedures, verify that you are meeting all conditions.
- Train Your Team – Ensure staff handling customs matters understand compliance requirements and know what to expect from the audit.
- Seek Expert Support – If you’re unsure about any aspect, engaging a customs consultant like VARTAN to conduct a pre-audit review can help identify risks and implement corrective actions before HMRC arrives.
For further guidance, download VARTAN’s eBook: How To Manage Your Customs Officer, which provides practical insights on working effectively with HMRC, staying compliant, and handling audits with confidence. If you need tailored support, our Customs MOT Audit can assess your readiness and highlight areas for improvement.
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