The impact of Brexit
What do you have to take into account?
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom left the EU with a withdrawal agreement. Here you will find more information about the steps you can take to send shipments to the UK.
Do you have questions about this? Please feel free to contact our customer service.
What is necessary?
From January 1, 2021, three things are extremely important when sending to the UK, namely the commercial invoice containing the EORI number and the HS code. Also keep in mind that customs fees will be charged by the carrier, and import duties will be passed on to the shipper. It is therefore important to always use the recipient's email address and telephone number. If you do not do this, any import duties cannot be paid by the recipient and your shipment will be returned.
commercial invoice
Shipments you send to the UK must include a commercial invoice. The commercial invoice must include the EORI number, VAT number and HS code. You can read how to ensure that your commercial invoice meets the legal requirements here† Of course it is possible to automatically generate the commercial invoice in the MyWuunder environment.
EORI number
Do you do it yourself or do you have a customs declaration done? Or do you apply for a permit at customs? Then you need an EORI number. An EORI number is an identification number that you need if you do business outside the EU. You can obtain the EORI number via the Settings menu in the MyWuunder environment to the shipping address. This is necessary for the automatically generated commercial invoice. Here Read how you got that number.
PLEASE NOTE: If you send goods to British consumers with a value of less than 135 British pounds, you as the sender pay the VAT to British Customs (HMRC). You must have a British VAT number for this. Request this via this link.
HS code
The HS code (also called customs statistics number) is also necessary information. Customs uses this to classify goods. You can look up the HS code for your goods via Customs Tax Authorities.
What are the details?
Customs declaration
If you ship via Wuunder, the carrier will ensure that the customs declaration is arranged. Wuunder offers the right IT solutions for this. Is it sea or air freight? Please contact our customer service† They will give you the appropriate advice.
Do you need a permit?
Check whether you need permits. In the overview customs permits see what you need a permit for and how to apply for it. Do not wait to long! Issuing permits takes some time for customs.
Cross-border permit
The cross-border license will no longer be valid in the UK after Brexit. You will have to make agreements yourself with British customs or trading partners about what should happen with goods that are in the UK under cover of your permit. Here find more information.
Excise goods
If you transport excise goods from the Netherlands to the UK after Brexit, it concerns export to a third country. You will then no longer have to deal with only EMCS procedures, but you will also have to submit an export declaration. If you import this type of goods from the UK, you must submit an import declaration.
Intra-Community Rules
These rules will no longer apply to VAT after Brexit. Will you buy from British suppliers after Brexit? Then you have to file an import declaration and pay VAT at customs. Would you rather submit a VAT declaration instead of paying at customs? Then ask a Permit Article 23 at your tax office.
Other formalities
In addition to all these customs rules, you may also have to deal with other formalities. Think of the inspection of animal products. Here you will find an overview of other formalities that you have to take into account.
All this information is based on the 'What does Brexit mean for my customs matters' page of the IRS.
