The UK has left the EU, which could mean changes for your business. As we build a new relationship with our European partners, there are planned phased changes to the import of goods, including customs declarations and border checks.
If your business imports or exports goods to or from the EU, it’s essential you understand how the new system works to ensure you keep your business moving.
What’s changed?
You may need to pre-notify imports to Great Britain of some food, animal products, plants and plant products from the EU.
If your business imports food, animal products, plants or plant products from the EU then you may need to pre-notify these imports. This means you must let the authorities know that your consignment is entering Great Britain. Simply register for the relevant IT system – for animal or plant products – now to ensure you are prepared for the pre-notification requirements from January 1.
What goods are included?
The new requirements cover the import of some Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods, such as meat or plants, coming into Great Britain from the EU. Most Products of Animal Origin, Animal By-Products, High Risk Food and Feed not of Animal Origin and regulated plants and plant products will require pre-notification when brought into Great Britain from the EU. There’s guidance online at gov.uk for food, animal by-products and plants.
You may need to pre-notify the authorities if you want to import plants for your business.
What else do I need to do?
You will need to tell authorities where your goods have come from.
Rules of Origin are another key element of the new trading requirements – the UK’s deal with the EU is called the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and it determines the country of origin of goods traded between them. You must be able to prove the goods you are importing or exporting meet the rules of origin to use preferential tariffs. This means you’ll need to prove where the goods have been grown, produced or manufactured – and remember this is not necessarily the same country as the one you bought them from.
Find out more about rules of origin on gov.uk here.
What about customs declarations?
The new rules starting on January 1 also mean that businesses moving goods into Great Britain from the EU must submit customs declarations. This must be done at the time your courier or freight forwarder brings the goods into Great Britain.
There’s further guidance at gov.uk that provides you with details, including how much tax and duty you’ll need to pay and whether you need a license or certificate.
You can also apply for authorisation to use simplified declarations for imports. This means you can move goods into a customs procedure without having to provide a full customs declaration. But be warned, it takes up to 60 days to complete the necessary checks, so plan ahead to ensure you have it in place before you want to start moving goods next year.
Can I use a customs agent?
Some businesses find it easier to use a customs agent, a courier of a freight forwarder to complete import and export declarations on their behalf. There’s detailed information on how this works at gov.uk/guidance/appoint-someone-to-deal-with-customs-on-your-behalf.
Disclaimer: Rules may be different for Northern Ireland. Contact the Trader Support Service for up-to-date guidance and support.
