How are to pay UK VAT at the border?

I have a UK company that is not VAT registered (we have temp EORI). My Portuguese manufacturer arranged a freight forwarder to bring the goods (duvets) to the UK but I don't understand at what stage I will pay the UK VAT? What will happen when the freight forwarder arrives at the border? Since I don't have VAT number I don't have a VAT deferral account.

Hi. It does depend under what import terms the Portugese company has used to bring in the goods under the likelihood is that you will be the named importer and so the VAT will be payable by yourself to the courier. The courier will therefore be in touch with you to arrange this . Thank you.