What we offer
Complete Project Management – Our project management consultancy services involve providing expert guidance, oversight, and support throughout the lifecycle of a project to ensure it meets its goals in terms of time, cost, scope, and quality. Typically included in our project management consultancy services are an on-site GAP Analysis (including security assessment), drafting all application forms & documented procedures required by Border Force, training, audit preparation and being in attendance for Border Force ETSF audit(s).
Ad-hoc ETSF Consultancy – We also offer an ad-hoc (short-term consulting) service where required or for those not needing complete project management. This service is provided on an as-needed basis, rather than as part of a long-term or ongoing engagement. We offer a range of ETSF ad-hoc consultancy services from assisting with ongoing ETSF applications, help and advice regarding customs processes, software or security, provision of ETSF templates to ISO 9001 standard, on-site GAP analysis and more.
Customs Compliance & Auditing – ongoing assistance with your ETSF compliance obligations set out by Border Force. Regular audits to ensure you are abiding by the rules & requirements set out in your ETSF authorisation. A review of your company information, documented procedures, customs processes, security & more. We also offer assistance in notifying Border Force of any changes to the business.
Training – We currently offer onsite & remote training. We can provide training in customs processes, internal audits, health & safety, security, record keeping and more.
The benefits of applying for an External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF)
1. Improved Supply Chain Flexibility / Time Buffer
– Gives you extra time to prepare customs declarations, get necessary import licences or documentation before goods must be cleared. If you try to do all this at a port on arrival, delays are more likely.
– Helps avoid being held up at the port due to missing paperwork, slow inspections or congestion.
2. Avoid Port / Quay Rental Costs and Congestion
– Goods held at or near ports often incur quay rent / terminal fees if delays occur. Moving goods quickly to an ETSF avoids extended charges at busy port facilities.
– Reduces exposure to port congestion or customs queuing delays.
3. Deferral of Duties and Import VAT
– While in ETSF under temporary storage, you don’t need to immediately make a full import declaration or pay duty & import VAT. This helps with cash flow.
– If later goods are re-exported (i.e. never enter free circulation in the UK), duty/VAT may not become payable. (Subject to rules/conditions.)
4. Shift Customs Activity Inland
– An ETSF allows some customs formalities (declarations, possibly inspections) to be completed inland rather than at a busy port or frontier. This means fewer delays at the point of import.
– For example, declarations can be pre-lodged, giving better coordination/planning.
5. Improved Visibility, Inventory Control & Security
– ETSFs must have good record‑keeping, inventory systems linked to HMRC, and physical security. This allows better traceability, audit‑readiness, and sometimes more efficient handling (e.g. for grouped consignments).
– Goods can be identified, separated, stored under approved conditions. This can reduce risk of misclassification, loss, damage, or customs penalties.
6. Reduced Risk of Delays for Time‑Sensitive Goods
– Allows better scheduling of logistics and unloading, without urgency to meet port deadlines.
– For very time‑sensitive imports (e.g. perishables, just‑in‑time manufacturing parts, pharmaceuticals, etc.), delays at ports can be costly. Using an ETSF helps avoid those chokepoints.
Pricing
Competitive price(s) start from £87.50 with installment plans also available.
For full details, please see our Pricing page or contact us using the form below.
Contact us
Eley Consultancy Ltd is registered in England under no. 13358476 | Registered office at: 19 Green Crescent, Bucklesham, Suffolk, IP10 0EA
ICO Data Protection Registration Reference: ZB217510