Formal authority for HC-CUSTOMS LIMITED to act as your customs agent
Client Customs Agent Authorisation
This Client Authorisation ("Authorisation") is entered into as of the date of electronic acceptance between:
The Client hereby appoints HC-CUSTOMS LIMITED as its authorised customs agent and representative for the purposes of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (as amended), the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018, and all associated HMRC regulations, to act on the Client's behalf in connection with the selected scope of services set out in this Authorisation.
2.1 HC-Customs is authorised to act on the Client's behalf only in respect of the specific services selected by the Client in this Authorisation.
2.2 HC-Customs shall at all times act in accordance with the Client's instructions, applicable UK customs legislation, and HMRC requirements.
2.3 Where HC-Customs is acting as Direct Representative, the Client remains the declarant and retains full legal responsibility for the accuracy of all declarations. Where HC-Customs is acting as Indirect Representative, HC-Customs assumes joint and several liability alongside the Client.
2.4 Unless explicitly agreed in writing, HC-Customs acts as Direct Representative — the Client remains the declarant of record.
This Authorisation takes effect on signature and remains in force until the end date set out below or, where a declaration limit is set, until that number of declarations has been made under it — whichever comes first — unless revoked earlier under clause 11. It may be renewed by a new Authorisation.
Import VAT on declarations made under this Authorisation will be handled in the way the Client selects below. HC-Customs will not change that treatment without the Client's written instruction.
The Client agrees to: (a) provide HC-Customs with accurate, complete, and timely information and documentation required to perform the services; (b) ensure all commercial invoices, packing lists, and other documents provided are accurate; (c) notify HC-Customs immediately of any changes to its EORI registration, business address, or commodity activities; and (d) remain responsible for payment of any customs duties, VAT, or penalties assessed by HMRC arising from inaccurate data provided by the Client.
6.1 HC-Customs will conduct its business in accordance with its published Standards. In particular, HC-Customs will not make any declaration it knows or suspects to be untrue, and may decline any instruction that would require one.
6.2 Before acting, HC-Customs will verify that the Client is established and operating as described, and may ask the Client for supporting evidence. HC-Customs will verify any person it does not already know who claims to give instructions on the Client's behalf before acting on them.
6.3 HC-Customs uses AI (Anthropic's Claude) to read documents the Client provides and propose declaration data. Every proposed value is reviewed by a person at HC-Customs before any declaration is submitted.
6.4 HC-Customs will give the Client evidence of each declaration submitted under this Authorisation and its status.
Where a declaration must be amended because of an error by HC-Customs, HC-Customs will notify the Client promptly and make the amendment at no charge. Where the amendment is needed because information provided by the Client was inaccurate or incomplete, HC-Customs will tell the Client the charge before making it.
The Client authorises HC-Customs to submit its EORI number and relevant trade data to HMRC's Customs Declaration Service (CDS), the Trader Support Service (TSS) and any other relevant HMRC systems, solely for the purpose of performing the authorised services. HC-Customs will process such data in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation.
The fees for the services will be agreed in writing between the Parties before HC-Customs acts, and HC-Customs will give at least 30 days' written notice of any change. No interest is charged on late payment. This Authorisation does not create any obligation on either Party to enter into a services agreement.
HC-Customs will keep a record of this Authorisation for six years after the last declaration made under it. If HMRC audits declarations made under it after this Authorisation has ended, HC-Customs will provide copies of the records it holds and reasonable assistance.
Either Party may revoke this Authorisation at any time upon written notice to the other Party. Revocation shall not affect any declarations or actions already taken by HC-Customs prior to receipt of notice.
This Authorisation is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The Client agrees that an electronic signature constitutes a valid and binding signature under the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (UK).
Signed for HC-CUSTOMS LIMITED (Co. No. 15738794)
All fields marked * are required. A confirmation will be emailed to you immediately.
Questions? Contact contact@hc-customs.com