Freelance customs and import-export adviser

Small online sellers, manufacturers, wholesalers and start-up importers or exporters who have no in-house customs knowledge.

Hourly or day rate for advice, fixed fees for set-up projects such as registrations and procedures, and monthly retainers for ongoing support.

• Background in freight, shipping, customs or trade compliance
• Careful with detail and paperwork
• Explaining rules in plain language
• Comfortable researching government guidance

• Professional indemnity insurance, as mistakes on classification or duty can be costly for clients
• Customs rules and tariffs change, so check current GOV.UK guidance before advising
• Acting as an agent who submits declarations on a client's behalf may need extra registrations or software, so check HMRC requirements
• Be clear about what you advise on and when to refer to a specialist, such as for sanctions or export controls
• Check whether you need permission from your landlord or mortgage lender to work from home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on your insurance, research tools and any software you choose. A background in freight, shipping or customs may reduce what you need to spend on training.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,500, depending on your rates, whether you work by project or retainer, and how many clients you take on. The estimated minimum is around 6 hours a week.

Check professional indemnity insurance, as classification or duty mistakes can be costly. Check current GOV.UK guidance before advising, check HMRC requirements if you submit declarations for clients, and be clear when to refer to a specialist.