Same-Day Release: How It Works

Same-day customs clearance is achievable when the import declaration is pre-lodged before the aircraft or vessel arrives. HMRC processes the entry via CDS; if approved, an "out of charge" notice is issued and cargo can be collected from the terminal the same day. Gxpresss pre-lodges as standard for all Heathrow air freight clients.

Need Urgent Clearance Today?

Call us directly, we handle urgent clearance requests the same day. Provide your airway bill number and we can pre-lodge before the aircraft lands.

+44 207 993 6953

The Pre-Lodgement Advantage

Standard customs clearance waits until cargo arrives at the port or airport before filing. Pre-lodgement means the declaration is submitted to HMRC before the goods land, so the customs release can be issued within minutes of arrival rather than hours after.

For Heathrow air freight, Gxpresss pre-lodges as standard. You provide documents before the flight departs the origin airport; we file with HMRC; your cargo is released as soon as it clears the terminal.

Step-by-Step: Getting Same-Day Clearance

  1. Send documents early, commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill, and certificate of origin (if applicable) as soon as the goods are booked
  2. We classify and prepare the entry, commodity code check, customs value calculation, duty and VAT estimate
  3. Declaration pre-lodged before aircraft departure, CDS entry submitted; HMRC processes in advance
  4. Aircraft arrives; HMRC issues release, out-of-charge notice within minutes to hours of landing (no examination triggered)
  5. Cargo released from terminal, your freight is available for collection or onward delivery same day

What Can Cause Delays, Even With Pre-Lodgement?

Same-day clearance is not guaranteed in every case. The following situations add time regardless of how quickly the declaration is filed:

  • HMRC physical examination, HMRC selects a percentage of shipments for scanning or physical inspection; this cannot be expedited and typically adds 24-72 hours
  • SPS / IPAFFS notifications, food, plants, and animal products require pre-notification via IPAFFS and are subject to Border Control Post (BCP) checks; same-day clearance is unlikely for most SPS goods
  • Incomplete or incorrect documents, missing invoice details, wrong Incoterms, or absent licence cause the declaration to be held pending clarification
  • Controlled or licenced goods, dual-use items, CITES-listed goods, or goods requiring an import licence cannot be released until the licence is presented
  • ATC / flight delay, if the aircraft is delayed beyond the working day, terminal collection shifts to the next morning

Heathrow Air Freight, Same Day, Zero Clearance Fee

Pre-lodgement as standard. HMRC release within hours of landing. Free customs clearance, no brokerage fee. Based 5 minutes from Heathrow cargo.

Heathrow Free Customs Call Now

Same-Day Clearance at UK Seaports

Sea freight cannot achieve same-day clearance in the same way as air freight, vessel arrivals are less predictable and terminal dwell times are longer. However, with a pre-lodged entry and correct documents, HMRC release for sea freight typically comes through within 1-4 hours of the vessel berthing. For urgent sea freight, Gxpresss prioritises entry submission and port communication to minimise dwell time.

Our key sea freight ports: Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Dover.

Frequently Asked Questions

We target same-day release for all Heathrow air freight and pre-lodge as standard. However, HMRC physical examination or SPS checks are outside our control and add time. For the majority of standard commercial shipments with complete documents, same-day release at Heathrow is achievable. We cannot guarantee it where HMRC selects goods for inspection.

For same-day release, documents should reach us before the aircraft departs the origin airport, ideally 24-48 hours in advance for non-EU long-haul, or at least 4-6 hours before an EU flight. The earlier we receive documents, the earlier the declaration is pre-lodged and the faster the release. We are available Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm.

No. Gxpresss does not charge a premium or surcharge for urgent handling or same-day clearance. For Heathrow air freight, customs clearance is free, no brokerage fee at all. We treat every shipment as time-sensitive because our clients import time-critical goods.

Yes. Gxpresss handles customs clearance at all 6 major UK airports including Heathrow, East Midlands, Manchester, Stansted, Birmingham, and Gatwick. Pre-lodgement and same-day release is available at all airports, though our strongest turnaround is at Heathrow where we are based. View all airports →