Freelance customs agent working from home

Small importers and exporters, online sellers, makers, wholesalers and small freight forwarders without their own customs staff.

A fee per declaration or shipment, plus monthly retainers for regular clients and extra charges for advice, classification work or fixing problems.

• Careful with detail and paperwork
• Comfortable learning rules and using software
• Clear communication with clients and freight companies

• Check HMRC's current rules on acting as a customs agent, including direct and indirect representation, as indirect representation can leave you liable for duty
• Professional indemnity insurance, because mistakes on declarations can be costly for clients
• Check how duty deferment and guarantees would work if you pay duty on clients' behalf
• Rules and tariffs change often, so budget time for keeping up to date
• Check whether you need permission from a landlord or mortgage lender to work from home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on the software, training and insurance you choose. Check the cost of professional indemnity insurance before you take on clients.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £800 to £4,500, depending on how many clients you have, the volume of declarations and the fees you charge. This is revenue before costs, not profit.

Check HMRC's current rules on acting as a customs agent, including direct and indirect representation, as indirect can leave you liable for duty. Also check professional indemnity insurance and how duty deferment and guarantees would work.