Your returns live in one system. Export declarations live in another. Manual matching takes weeks. One mistake triggers an audit. Meridian automates the entire recovery process — from MRN matching to HMRC-ready evidence packs to CDS filing.
For UK importers with 50+ international returns per month, this typically unlocks £10,000–£100,000+ in annual duty and VAT recovery. Choose Managed Service (live now) or Software as a Service (SaaS) with the Meridian platform (early access).
HMRC-registered • CDS-integrated • Audit-ready evidence packs • 7-year retention
How do you want to recover?
You stay the Declarant. Meridian does the filing. We match each return to the original export, build the evidence pack, submit via CDS, and handle exceptions. Your team never touches customs admin.
Explore servicesRun the workflow in-house or with your 3PL. Same compliance engine — MRN matching, evidence packs, audit logs, exception queues — but your team controls the process. Role-based access built in.
See the platformTrusted by forward thinking businesses
Whether you need to stop duty leakage on new returns, recover missed relief across 3 years of history, or reclaim duty on re-exported goods — Meridian handles the compliance process end to end so your team doesn't need in-house customs expertise.
Managed Compliance Hub
You stay the Declarant. Meridian does the filing. We match each return to the original export reference (typically the MRN), apply the correct RGR relief logic, build a checklist-driven evidence pack, and submit via CDS as your Direct Representative. Exceptions are triaged, not abandoned.
UK importers with 50+ international returns per month who want duty and VAT recovery without adding customs admin to internal teams.
Customs Gateway
Already have a stable returns operation? We plug the compliance process into your existing setup. Automated MRN matching, CDS submission with correct relief coding, query and rejection management, and border outcome reporting — without changing your logistics.
Teams with a stable returns or 3PL setup who need the compliance layer to achieve the correct RGR outcome at the border.
Historical Recovery Audit
HMRC allows claims going back up to 3 years. We audit your import, export, and returns data to quantify missed relief across RGR, Customs Drawback, and duty overpayments simultaneously — so nothing gets missed. Performance-based: no recovery, no fee.
Importers who suspect they've paid duty or VAT unnecessarily and want a quantified business case before committing to a live process.
Not every recovery starts with a return. If you imported goods into the UK (duty paid) and later re-exported them, or if duty was overpaid due to wrong HS codes, incorrect valuations, or missed preferential tariffs — we find it and file for recovery. One multi-route audit covering up to 3 years.
Common in e-commerce but applies to any UK importer re-exporting stock or correcting classification, valuation, or procedural errors.
UK importers from non-FTA countries who re-export stock, or businesses suspecting overpaid duty from HS code, valuation, or CPC errors.
For 3PLs, duty recovery is a competitive moat. You're offering clients something most 3PLs can't: compliance-grade recovery infrastructure. We handle the compliance workflow — MRN matching, evidence packs, CDS filing, exception handling. You handle the logistics and intake.
3PL providers, fulfilment centres, and returns hubs wanting to add duty recovery as a value-added service that strengthens client retention.
Not sure which service fits? Start here.
Check your recovery potentialEvery prerequisite for filing duty recovery claims is in place. Our infrastructure is built for compliance-grade operations from day one.
Authorised for UK customs declarations. Active EORI number issued by HMRC.
Direct filing capability on HMRC's Customs Declaration Service for RGR and Drawback claims.
Registered for CDS API integration, enabling automated filing workflows and real-time declaration processing.
Authorised to act on behalf of importers under Article 18 UCC. You remain the Declarant and importer of record.
Recovering duty requires three things most businesses don't have: proof of export, audit-ready evidence, and compliance confidence. Here's what changes when you add a compliance layer.
Most UK retailers don't realise they're eligible for Returned Goods Relief. If you export goods from the UK and receive international returns, you may be paying duty and VAT again on goods that already cleared customs once. Answer a few questions and we'll tell you instantly whether recovery is viable and estimate the annual opportunity.
Start the eligibility checkWe reply within 1–2 business days with:
No commitment. No cost. Just a clear next step.
These are the indicators we look for. If you tick most of these, there's likely a meaningful recovery opportunity.
Don't meet all criteria? That's common. We run a data readiness assessment during onboarding and help recover missing references and align schemas before any claims are filed.
Everything you need to know about duty and VAT recovery on international returns and re-exports.
Whether you want to stop duty leakage on new returns immediately or start with a 3-year historical audit, we find the fastest path to results. No recovery, no fee on audits. All fees agreed in writing before work begins.
