Simplifying Excise Goods Movement with EMCS Support
If you import excise goods – such as alcohol, tobacco or energy products – into the UK, navigating customs and tax rules can be complex. Whether your goods are traveling from a UK port to a bonded warehouse or arriving from the EU, we help ensure they move smoothly, legally and without disruption.
As an HMRC Excise Registered Consignor, we manage your declarations and initiate the movement of goods in the UK’s Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS), supporting faster clearance at ports and seamless delivery to your warehouse or end destination.
What is the EMCS?
The EMCS is a secure digital platform that records the movement of duty-suspended excise goods across the UK and EU. By replacing paper-based forms with real-time electronic declarations, EMCS reduces delays, minimizes errors and ensures full regulatory compliance.
Why EMCS matters for importers
Incorrect use of EMCS can lead to delays, penalties or seizure of goods. Using EMCS correctly enables:
- Real-time approval for goods moving under duty suspension
- Electronic validation by HMRC and receiving parties
- Full traceability of each consignment
- Faster access to bonded warehouses
- Automatic generation of electronic administrative documents (e-ADs)
Who needs to use EMCS?
The EMCS is mandatory for:
- Registered consignors and consignees
- Excise warehouse keepers
- Traders moving goods under duty suspension
- Logistics providers handling excise consignments
Whether you’re importing whisky into London or transporting duty-suspended wine from the EU, EMCS compliance is essential.
How we support your excise operations
We handle every stage of the process to keep your goods moving:
- File import declarations and pay any required duty or VAT
- Maintain excise duty suspension for onward bonded delivery
- Raise e-ADs and generate administrative reference codes (ARCs)
- Support UK-based movements and intra-EU transfers
- Manage EMCS movements to ensure continuity across the EU
Our HMRC-approved status means we can act quickly and compliantly on your behalf, reducing the administrative burden and avoiding costly delays.
A trusted partner for excise compliance
As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, we offer more than just EMCS support. Working with our European colleagues, we provide end-to-end customs solutions – including software platforms, bonded warehouse transit support, customs duty guarantees and brokerage services. All managed in-house for maximum control and efficiency.
Want to simplify the movement of your excise goods?
Find out more by visiting our web page
Contact us today about registering, filing and managing your EMCS responsibilities with confidence.
Andy Maber
Business Development Manger
Trade Facilitation Services
SGS United Kingdom Ltd
t: +44 (0)151 350 6666
