In 2016, the UK voted to Leave the European Union, on the 31st January 2020 Britain left the EU, and since then the country has been in a Transition period.
The UK Government has a Brexit Checker where you can get a list of required actions, you can also sign up to receive email updates regarding what you need to do. You can use the Brexit Checker here.
This article will explore importing goods from the EU.
Importing Goods (source: gov.uk)
The process for importing goods from the EU will change; businesses in England, Wales and Scotland need to complete the following actions to continue importing from countries in the EU, from 1st January 2021.
You should follow this guidance if you are:
- Receiving goods by post
- Importing goods from countries outside the EU
Find out how to Declare Goods from 1st January 2021:
From 1st January 2021, you’ll need to make customs declarations when importing goods from the EU. These rules currently apply when you import goods from the rest of the world, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
You can make the declarations yourself, however most businesses use a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent.
New Rules for Importing Goods:
From 1st January 2021, the rules for importing some types of goods will change.
- Import licences and certificates from 1st January
- Marking, labelling and marketing standards from 1 January 2021
- Importing excise goods to the UK from the EU from 1 January 2021
Make sure you have an EORI number starting with GB:
You will need an EORI number to move goods between the UK and the EU. If you don’t have an EORI number, you may have increased costs and delays. For example, if HM Revenue and Customs cannot clear your goods you may have to pay storage fees.
Get an EORI number.
Check the rate of tax and duty you’ll need to pay:
You need to pay VAT and custom duty on all imports.
- Check the rate of customs duty on imports from 1st January 2021
- Import tariffs which apply from 1st January 2021 may change. Check you have up to date information before importing so you can pay the correct duties and rates.
- Check the rate of VAT
Decide how you will pay tax and duty:
You can pay VAT and customs duty when your goods enter Great Britain, or you can set up a duty deferment account to make one payment a month.
In some situations, you can delay paying VAT and custom duty.
Check if you can make the importing process quicker:
From 1st January 2021, you’ll need to make customs declarations when you import goods from the EU. In some situations, you can delay making a declaration for up to 6 months after you have imported the goods.
If you regularly import goods using Common Transit, you can apply for consignee status to make the importing process quicker.
Check if the EU business you’re importing from is ready:
The EU business you’re importing from will also need to prepare for 1 January 2021.
Before the business sends you any goods, check they can make the necessary export declarations. They’ll also need a licence or certificate to export some types of goods.
Source: Prepare to Import Goods from the EU to GB from 1 January
