HM Revenue and Customs has launched the Advance Valuation Ruling Service (AVRS), a new service that gives importers legal certainty that their chosen customs valuation method is correct. 

When importing goods into the UK, traders must work out the value of their goods to calculate their Customs Duty and import VAT.

Traders will apply online for an Advanced Valuation Ruling where HMRC will confirm the method used to calculate the value is correct. It is legally-binding for 3 years and the trader will use this information to calculate the value of their goods on their import declaration.

The system is part of the government’s vision to deliver a modern, digital customs service, providing traders with peace of mind and making it simpler to work out costings ahead of shipments.

Aidan Reilly, Director of Customs Policy and Strategy, HMRC, said:

"AVRS will make a real difference to UK importers by stripping away uncertainty and reducing their administrative burden. The new service legally guarantees the trader’s valuation method is correct making it quicker and easier to manage customs. It will complement our existing tariff and origin services to give traders more certainty on the cost of importing their goods, making it easier for them to budget."