Customs Glossary

National Clearance Hub (NCH)

A plain-English definition for UK importers and exporters.

The National Clearance Hub (NCH) is HMRC's central team that processes customs declarations selected for documentary or physical checks before goods are released.

What is the National Clearance Hub?

The NCH handles declarations 'routed' for a check — for example where documents need to be reviewed or goods examined — and decides whether to release them.

Who deals with the NCH?

Importers, exporters and agents whose declarations are selected for a check correspond with the NCH to provide documents or arrange examination.

How it relates to classification

Declarations are often queried because the goods description or commodity code looks wrong. Accurate, well-evidenced classification reduces the chance of being routed for a check and speeds release.

← Back to the Customs Glossary

Need the exact code, not just a definition? Classify your products with TTVerified — expert-backed and audit-ready.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

It was selected for a documentary or physical check — commonly because of the goods description, code, value or licensing.

Submit accurate, well-documented declarations. A defensible commodity code with supporting evidence is the single biggest factor.