The Valuation handbook, published on June 25, 2025, explains the six methods used to establish the value of goods on which Customs Duty and import VAT are calculated, and when each method should be employed.

The handbook outlines the six regulatory methods for calculating Customs value, provides explanatory details through calculation examples, and offers information on a range of import types, as well as how the reason for the import can affect the value declared to HMRC. 

There is also a useful section on Incoterms®, the internationally agreed commercial terms used to define responsibilities and risk when moving goods across borders.

The handbook explains HMRC’s interpretation of the law; however, traders are reminded that published guidance is not a legal requirement and that care should be taken to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations and the law.



A link to the updated list of published handbooks can be found at the link below: Customs Technical Handbooks - GOV.UK

Law

In the UK, Customs valuation law is provided by the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (TCTA) and the Customs (Import Duty) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (CIDEER).

Additional provisions can be found in Notices made under the Customs (Import Duty) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018. 

Regulations for Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Union Customs Code (UCC) applies; additionally, the UCC DA and the UCC IA provide further provisions on Customs valuation. 

Regulations 952/2013 (UCC), 2015/2447 (UCC DA), and 2015/2446 (UCC IA) can be found on the EU legislation website Eur-lex.

For imports into the UK prior to 1st January 2021, UCC legislation should have been applied.