London Container Terminal
For a container movement, provide the bill of lading, container identity, vessel details and the inventory or terminal reference when available.
UK port coverage
Tilbury customs clearance
Customs-clearance help for goods moving through Tilbury. Tell us whether the shipment is at London Container Terminal, Tilbury2 or another Tilbury facility so the customs file follows the right movement.
Call our customs team07946 896896Tell us the goods, arrival port and expected date.
THAMES · MULTIMODAL
Port-focused support
Prepared before arrival. Coordinated through release.
Tilbury is not one uniform container flow. Forth Ports lists London Container Terminal, Tilbury2's unaccompanied Ro-Ro activity and other cargo facilities. Before we prepare a declaration, we need the actual site, cargo type, transport document and matching shipment references.
Freight Customs Clearance Ltd supports importers, exporters, freight forwarders and transport operators with document checks, customs-clearance coordination and practical release updates.
How this port works
First identify which Tilbury facility holds the goods.
A container at London Container Terminal and a trailer at Tilbury2 may follow different operational handovers. The port name alone is not enough to determine the right references.
Forth Ports: Tilbury facilitiesBefore you book collection
- Confirm the exact Tilbury terminal or facility with the carrier or freight organiser.
- Send the bill of lading or transport document and the container, trailer or unit number.
- Match the invoice, packing list, importer EORI and goods description to that movement.
- Check customs status separately from the carrier, terminal and transport arrangements.
Freight Customs Clearance Ltd handles the customs-clearance side; terminal and haulier processes remain with their respective operators.
A useful first enquiry
Get a Tilbury clearance quote.
Start with the actual Tilbury facility and movement type so we quote the right customs work. We will identify where terminal, carrier, transport, inspection, duty or tax charges need separate confirmation.
What to send us
- London Container Terminal, Tilbury2 or another facility; import or export; container, trailer or other cargo.
- Container, trailer or unit numbers, transport document or booking, route and arrival date.
- Cargo description, number of goods lines, trader EORI, commercial invoice and packing list.
For London Container Terminal containers, live availability and the haulier's VBS appointment are separate from the customs declaration. LCT live container information ↗
Movement profile
Planning around Tilbury cargo.
Port capability does not replace customs preparation. The declaration file, terminal identifiers and physical handover still need to describe the same movement.
Tilbury2 Ro-Ro
For an unaccompanied trailer or unit movement, provide the route, trailer or unit identity and the relevant transport and presentation references.
Other Tilbury cargo
Paper, forest products, breakbulk and project cargo can require different package, weight and handling descriptions from a container entry.
- 01
Specify London Container Terminal, Tilbury2 or the actual Tilbury facility.
- 02
Confirm vessel or route, bill of lading or booking, and container, trailer or unit reference.
- 03
Supply the invoice, packing list, goods description, values, quantities and weights.
- 04
Identify the importer or exporter, customs procedure and any goods-specific permits or origin evidence.
- 05
Check the customs response and any remaining carrier, terminal or transport hold before collection.
Clearance workflow
Pre-arrival review
Commercial and transport documents checked before the vessel or container reaches port.
Declaration support
Import or export clearance information prepared and coordinated for the shipment.
Customs response
Questions, holds and additional requirements translated into clear next actions.
Release handover
Release status coordinated with the relevant freight and transport parties.
24/7Operational availability
365Days each year
10+Years’ team experience
Tilbury FAQs
Questions before the cargo moves.
Answers relate to our clearance-preparation service and do not represent the port or terminal operator.
For the declaration steps, see our UK customs clearance service and import clearance guide.
Why do you need the exact Tilbury terminal?+
Tilbury has several facilities and movement types. The correct location and references help match the declaration to the goods actually presented.
Can you assist with a Tilbury2 trailer?+
We can review the customs requirements for the described movement. Send the route, trailer or unit identity and transport documents so we can confirm what is needed.
Is a customs release the same as a collection instruction?+
No. Carrier, terminal and haulier processes may still need to be completed after customs clearance.
Are you part of Forth Ports?+
No. We are an independent customs-clearance business and do not represent the port operator.
Always on
Clearance support, 24/7, 365 days.
Call to discuss your shipment, or email the details and available documents for review.