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VAT, Customs and International Trade

Leading you away from problems and towards opportunities.

VAT, customs duties and international trade compliance are complex and fast-moving. Digitalisation, shifting regulation and increased scrutiny mean even routine processes require careful management.


With tariffs changing and supply chains under pressure, specialist support helps protect margin, reduce disruption and keep goods moving across borders. We provide clear, practical advice to improve duty outcomes, strengthen compliance and support confident decision-making.

Our VAT, Customs and International Trade team translates UK and global developments into tailored advice, combining technical insight with a pragmatic, commercially focused approach.

Customs ID analytics tool adds visibility and control by turning customs declaration data into actionable insight on risk, compliance and duty savings opportunities.

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Hub

Simplifying CBAM compliance

EU and UK CBAM support, from exposure review to managed delivery.

Navigating the Customs and International Trade landscape


Our VAT, Customs and International Trade team offers clear, practical guidance to optimise tariff positions and manage cross‑border risks.
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Services

Customs

Rising tariffs, an evolving regulatory landscape and ongoing global supply chain disruption have made cross-border trade more complex and higher risk. Robust customs and excise support is now essential to keep goods moving, control costs and maintain compliance.

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Analytic tool

Customs ID tool

Greater visibility of customs duty exposure strengthens compliance and improves audit-ready processes. Customs-ID highlights risks, anomalies and opportunities for duty savings, giving businesses greater control across the international supply chain.  

Explore our analytics tool

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Hub

Crowe Customs hub

Stay on top of the latest customs, excise and cross-border trade developments with practical insight from our specialists. The Hub helps businesses anticipate change, make better decisions and build resilience in an increasingly complex trade environment.

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Tailored training sessions meeting the specific needs of your business/staff

We are regularly asked to speak for professional bodies, industry groups and regulators on VAT, customs and international trade matters. Our team has presented for organisations including Charity Finance Group, ICAEW, ISBA, Charity Tax Group, the British Ports Association and the Department for Business and Trade. We also participate in key industry forums, including HMRC’s Joint Customs Consultative Committee, ACITA and the Customs Practitioners Group.

VAT and Customs training for your business       Making Tax Digital training for your business

Our team

Our team combines strong technical capability with practical insight into how HMRC approaches VAT and customs in real life, including professionals with HMRC and in-house backgrounds. This experience, alongside regular engagement with the relevant authorities, helps us respond quickly to queries and support efficient, compliant VAT and customs outcomes for your business and sector.

Our latest thinking

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UK tax update 2026
The UK tax update 2026: A package of customs measures aimed at modernising the UK customs system, reducing admin burdens and strengthening compliance.
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HMRC Advance Tax Certainty Service – launching 1 July 2026
HMRC has launched an Advance Tax Certainty Service offering large businesses early, binding clarity on UK tax treatment for major projects.
Team of people eating in the office
VAT and zero-rated food – KFC dip pot case
The UK has a long history of debating the VAT treatment of food items. We cover the KFC dip pot case.
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VAT and school holiday clubs
For school clubs, the key factor is whether coaching is provided or only supervision, which may qualify for a childcare exemption.
Vienna Rooftops
End of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme in England
The LPWS closed in April 2026 and is being replaced by the PWRF, with funding criteria yet to be confirmed.
A group of professionals in a team strategy meeting
Pension fund VAT recovery rules: HMRC provides further guidance
HMRC has issued further guidance on relaxing VAT recovery rules for organisations with Defined Benefit pension scheme costs.
Two workers in shipping dock
UK tax update 2026
The UK tax update 2026: A package of customs measures aimed at modernising the UK customs system, reducing admin burdens and strengthening compliance.
Two professionals looking at data on a big screen
HMRC Advance Tax Certainty Service – launching 1 July 2026
HMRC has launched an Advance Tax Certainty Service offering large businesses early, binding clarity on UK tax treatment for major projects.
Team of people eating in the office
VAT and zero-rated food – KFC dip pot case
The UK has a long history of debating the VAT treatment of food items. We cover the KFC dip pot case.
Child painting rabbit
VAT and school holiday clubs
For school clubs, the key factor is whether coaching is provided or only supervision, which may qualify for a childcare exemption.
Vienna Rooftops
End of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme in England
The LPWS closed in April 2026 and is being replaced by the PWRF, with funding criteria yet to be confirmed.
A group of professionals in a team strategy meeting
Pension fund VAT recovery rules: HMRC provides further guidance
HMRC has issued further guidance on relaxing VAT recovery rules for organisations with Defined Benefit pension scheme costs.

Events

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Introduction to charity VAT
This course will offer a comprehensive introduction to the complex VAT issues faced by charities as well as their potential impact.
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Land sales to housing associations - proposed VAT changes
Join us for a webinar on the proposed changes to the VAT treatment of land sales to housing associations.
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Introduction to charity VAT
This course will offer a comprehensive introduction to the complex VAT issues faced by charities as well as their potential impact.
magnifying wooden house
Land sales to housing associations - proposed VAT changes
Join us for a webinar on the proposed changes to the VAT treatment of land sales to housing associations.

VAT bitesize webinars


Our short succinct webinars will give you an overview of the option to tax rules and outline the key points you need to consider to prevent unexpected VAT costs arising from land and property transactions.

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Contact us


Robert Warne
Rob Warne
Partner, Head of VAT, Customs and International TradeLondon