Are you thinking about starting an import-export business here in the South West, England? You’re not alone. Many local entrepreneurs and businesses in Bristol, across Avon, Devon and Cornwall, and South Wales, are tapping into global markets. Whether you’re dreaming of importing quality goods from Europe or exporting West Country produce across the globe, it all starts with one thing: getting your logistics right.
It can be overwhelming to start with, especially if you are planning to import or export goods. You can be faced with customs codes, shipping documents, and unexpected delays. The guide below is aimed at providing you with real-world tips from the perspective of a freight forwarder, so that you can get some local insight to get your import-export venture off the ground.
Why South West England is a Great Place to Trade Internationally
If you’re based in South West England (or South Wales-based) and thinking about getting involved with the import-export world, you’re already in a good location, geographically speaking.
While the region doesn’t always get the marketing and media coverage it deserves, it’s got a lot going for it when it comes to international trade, and more local businesses are catching on.
Let’s start with the ports. You’ve got access to strategic regional hubs like Bristol Port and Plymouth, which might not see the same volume as Felixstowe or Southampton, but that can actually work in your favour.
Less congestion, more flexibility, and often a more responsive service – ideal for small and medium-sized importers and exporters trying to keep things running smoothly.
Then there’s the strength of South West England’s industries. From:
- Agriculture in Cornwall and Somerset
- Advanced manufacturing in Gloucestershire
- A strong tech scene around Bristol and Exeter
- an aeronautics and aerospace industry
Indeed, the region has no shortage of high-quality goods ready to hit global markets. If you’re producing something here, there’s a solid chance the demand exists overseas.
There are also several useful local organisations also there to help you, including the West of England Growth Hub, Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and regional enterprise partnerships that offer guidance, funding routes, and trade support.
You also, of course, have us, RSJ Freight International, here to help and support you as a freight forwarder. We can help you with customs, shipping, and all the red tape that comes with global trade..
South West England has everything you need to build a smart, successful import-export business.
First Steps to Get Started
If you are interested in starting your own import/export business in the South West, here are the stages you might want to consider going through:
1. Get Registered
Before anything else, you’ll need to get your business registered with HMRC.
If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to decide whether to operate as a sole trader, limited company, or partnership, and each has its own pros and cons.
Here are two useful links to help you make the decision:
- HMRC – Setting up a business site section
- Sole Trader vs Ltd business Pros and Cons from HSBC
Once that’s sorted, you’ll need to apply for an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification).
This is essential for moving goods between the UK and any other country. Without it, you might struggle to send shipments at all as they will not pass customs.
If you are only moving goods within the UK or not dealing with physical goods, then you shouldn’t need an EORI number.
2. Should I start an Import or Export Business? Or Both?
Some businesses focus purely on importing goods from overseas to sell in the UK, while others specialise in exporting British products abroad. You might eventually do both—but it’s wise to start with one and get your processes in place.
Think about your strengths. Are you good at sourcing quality products abroad at a competitive price? Or do you have something locally produced that’s got export potential—like West Country food, handmade goods, or high-tech components?
3. Choose the Right Products
This is where research really matters. What are the trends in overseas markets, and where is there growing demand in the EU, the US, or places like the UAE or Southeast Asia?
Try and speak to potential customers as part of your research.
Also, research your potential competitors, and look at import/export data to spot gaps (AI can help you here).
If you’re importing, start building relationships with reliable suppliers.
If you’re exporting, find out what buyers or distributors in other countries are actually looking for and what hoops you’ll need to jump through to sell there.
Navigating the Paperwork and Red Tape
This is where many new importers and exporters start to feel a bit out of their depth and panic.
There’s a lot of paperwork involved, and it all has to be done right. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to handle it all yourself because a company such as RSJ International offers a service to manage all aspects of the import/export shipping.
Key Documents to Get Familiar With
There are a few essential documents that almost every shipment needs:
- Commercial Invoice – This, in essence, is your bill of sale proof, and it shows who’s buying what and for how much.
- Packing List – Information on exactly what has been packed in the cargo shipment.
- Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill for air freight) – This acts as a receipt, and it details the transportation agreement between you and the shipping carrier.
- Certificates of Origin, if required – Some countries need proof of where the goods were made.
Customs agents will also need to know the commodity code for your goods, so they can calculate the correct duty and VAT. Get that wrong, and you could face delays—or worse, penalties.
Duties, Taxes, and Compliance
Every country has its own rules. Some charge import duties, some need pre-clearance, and some restrict certain goods altogether.
If you’re not up to date on the latest customs rules, it is easy to get confused, as many of these rules are quite complex.
This is where a freight forwarder can be extremely helpful. A good one will help you complete your paperwork, make sure your goods are correctly classified, and deal with customs on your behalf. Less stress, fewer delays, and a much smoother process.
Managing the Freight Forwarding
When people think about shipping, they often picture boxes on a lorry or a container on a ship. But freight forwarding is about so much more than transport—it’s about planning, problem-solving, and making sure your goods get from A to B without a hitch.
A freight forwarder can be seen as your logistics agent or partner. They’ll book transport, manage customs, advise on documentation, and keep everything moving. They can even help with storage, packaging, insurance, and supply chain advice.
Why Go Local?
Working with a Bristol-based freight forwarder like RSJ International means you get people who know the South West logistics landscape inside out. Whether your goods are going out via Avonmouth, up to Southampton, or through Heathrow, we’ll find the best route, price, and carrier for your needs.
Real-World Example
One of our clients, a small manufacturer in Somerset, used to handle their freight in-house. But with orders increasing, they struggled with late deliveries, missing paperwork, and rising costs.
We stepped in, streamlined their supply chain, handled customs from end to end, and within three months, they’d cut delays by 90%. Their words, not ours: “You saved our sanity.”
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
When starting out, it’s easy to make mistakes that might at first seem small, but that end up causing big problems.
Here are a few of the most common issues and how to avoid them.
1. Picking the Wrong Incoterms
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define who’s responsible for what during shipping.
Select the wrong one, and you might potentially find yourself stuck with surprise costs or stranded goods. Always double-check what each term really means, or ask your freight forwarder to guide you.
2. Underestimating the True Cost
It’s not just about shipping fees. You’ve got duties, handling charges, insurance, storage, customs clearance… it all adds up. Failing to factor these in can eat into your margins fast.
Get a full quote upfront to avoid nasty surprises.
3. Missing or Incorrect Paperwork
One wrong number on a customs form can mean your shipment is delayed—or worse, rejected. This is where having a freight forwarder who double-checks everything is invaluable.
4. No Tracking or Visibility
If you don’t know where your shipment is, you can’t manage customer expectations. Choose a freight partner that offers real-time tracking or proactive updates, so you’re never left in the dark.
Final Thoughts – Set Yourself Up for Success
Start by getting the right advice and support early on.
You don’t need to be a logistics expert to succeed, but you need the right people on your side.
That’s where RSJ International comes in. Whether you’re sending a single pallet to Spain or importing a full container from China, we can help you navigate the journey with confidence.
So if you’re ready to get going, or even just have a few questions, get in touch. We’re always happy to have a no-pressure chat, share what we know, and point you in the right direction.