Need help to Brexit-proof your exports and imports?
Don’t panic – we’ve got this!
Now that
we’ve left the EU, if yours is one of the 200,000 UK businesses that currently
trade with Europe, you might be wondering how to Brexit-proof your imports and
exports. We’ve put together a quick checklist that should help.
Go with the flow
If you’re
concerned about getting your products to customers throughout the EU, we can
help keep things moving quickly.
For example,
the new regulations have created delays for freight at Dover, and this has
affected any packages shipped via road services into Europe. To avoid the
chance that your shipments might be caught up in these delays, we can arrange
for your goods to be shipped by air. Until everything is smoothed out as
regards road freight, the extra cost will be worth it for your peace of mind
and to ensure you continue to meet your obligations to your customers.
It goes
without saying that we will also ensure your consignments are supported by the
correct paperwork to ensure smooth transit through to their destination.
Watch out for EORI
Do you have
an EORI number yet? We’re not talking about the donkey in Winnie-the-Pooh – if
you are selling into the EU, you need an Economic Operator Registration and
Identification (EORI) number. You can apply for a ‘GB’ EORI
number online*. It
can take up to a week for HMRC to process, so take action now.
Know your codes & country of
origin
Commodity codes, harmonisation codes, tariff codes – what
are they? These are the codes allocated to describe the goods you sell overseas.
Why do you need them? Because these codes, coupled with an accurate description
and value, ensure that Customs are aware of what is being shipped and can
automatically calculate any tariffs or charges applicable to your goods as they
cross the border with the EU, or any other international destination. Using
the right codes will minimise the risk of delay. And don’t forget to detail the
correct country of origin of the goods, in case this differs from the country
of export/import.
Get expert help
We’ve
outlined the basic steps you’ll need to take to prepare your business and
protect your supply chains. But perhaps one of the easiest and smartest of
these is to work with an expert agent who can steer you through the complexity
and deal with customs for your international shipments.
At Mail
Boxes Etc. we’re your local shipping experts, and we’ve got Brexit covered. We
understand customs, duties and taxes, harmonised/commodity codes and
country-specific regulations. We’ll keep your goods moving seamlessly across
borders by cutting through the challenges of importing and exporting in a
post-Brexit world.
Contact us
to find out how we can take the headache out of ensuring your business is
Brexit-proof.
* EEA (European Economic Area): Switzerland,
Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Links provided for guidance only. Mail Boxes
Etc. accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided by
third-party websites.