Question 1

What is Returned Goods Relief (RGR)?

Accepted Answer

RGR is a customs relief that allows UK businesses to re-import goods that were previously exported without paying import duty and VAT again, provided the goods are returned in the same state and within three years of export.

Question 2

What is Customs Drawback and how is it different from RGR?

Accepted Answer

RGR applies when goods are returned to the UK in the same state. Customs Drawback applies when goods imported into the UK are subsequently re-exported. The trigger is different: RGR is about returns, Drawback is about re-exports. Many businesses qualify for both, and our audit checks all routes simultaneously.

Question 3

How much could we recover?

Accepted Answer

Recovery depends on your return volumes, product values, duty rates, and data quality. Our eligibility check and recovery potential tool give you a quick indication, and a full audit quantifies the exact opportunity across RGR, Customs Drawback, and duty overpayments.

Question 4

Do we need to change our returns process?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If you already have a stable returns operation, our Customs Gateway service plugs into your existing setup. For businesses that need more support, our Managed Compliance Hub handles the full process end to end.

Question 5

What data do you need from us?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, we need export references (MRNs), returns data (order IDs, SKUs, return reasons), and import entry records showing duty and VAT paid. We will assess your data readiness during onboarding and help fill any gaps.

Question 6

Who remains the importer of record?

Accepted Answer

You do. Meridian operates as your Direct Customs Representative under a signed Letter of Authority. You remain the Declarant and importer of record at all times.

Question 7

How far back can you audit?

Accepted Answer

We can review up to three years of historical import and returns data to identify missed relief opportunities across RGR, Customs Drawback, and duty overpayments.

Question 8

What if our data has gaps or missing MRNs?

Accepted Answer

That is common. We run a structured data readiness assessment and work with you to recover missing references, align schemas, and build a clean dataset before filing any claims.

Question 9

Can you help if we re-export goods imported into the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Customs Drawback service covers goods imported into the UK that are later re-exported. We link import entries to export proof and file for drawback or relief where eligible, covering up to 3 years.

Question 10

We are a 3PL. Can you work with our clients?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our 3PL Partnership Programme lets you offer duty and VAT recovery as a value added service to your e-commerce clients. We handle the compliance, you handle the logistics.

Question 11

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is performance-based and tailored to your returns volume. Recovery audits operate on a success fee model: no recovery, no fee. Ongoing managed service fees are volume-based. All fees are agreed in writing before any work begins. Contact us for a pricing consultation.

Meridian Compliance Engine (MCE)

Compliance Infrastructure for Duty Recovery

Audit-ready evidence packs

MRN matching

Claim packs and exports

Immutable audit logs

Eight-role access control

Multi-jurisdiction coverage

Built for Teams Managing Recovery In-House

In-house compliance teams

Customs brokers

3PL and fulfilment operators