The Brexit
From January 1, 2021, your goods transport to and from the United Kingdom (UK) will always start with a customs declaration. On that day, the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) will leave the European Union (EU). From then on, the free movement of goods will no longer be possible.
On June 23, 2016, the UK decided to leave the EU. This decision has major consequences, especially for the transport and logistics sector. The UK is the fourth (most important) export country for the Netherlands after Germany, Belgium, and France. The UK and the EU are currently negotiating a trade agreement. The outcome of these negotiations is still unknown. However, it is already clear what requirements will have to be met and what preparations can be made.
Apply for an EORI number
Not yet registered with Customs? Then apply for an EORI number from Customs as soon as possible. Every company in Europe that imports or exports goods needs a unique identification number from Customs. This also applies if, as an exporter, you leave the export declarations to a forwarding agent or customs agent.
Please note: are you currently working with a British EORI number? After Brexit, you will need to convert this to an EU EORI number.
Correct commercial invoice
From January 1, 2021, your commercial invoice must accompany the shipment and contain the correct information for a correct import or export declaration. The required information on the original commercial invoice consists of:
- Name and address of the sender
- Value and currency of goods
- Name and address of the consignee
- Country of origin
- Date of shipment
- Number and type of packages
- Commodity codes (HS)
- Incoterms
- Product description
- EORI number
- Gross and net weight
- VAT number
Export and import document required
An export and import document must be available for the transport of your goods from the EU to the UK. If one of these documents is not available, HST is not allowed to transport the goods. The responsibility for import documentation, VAT, and import duties always lies with the customer. HST is never responsible and cannot guarantee anything to customers with regard to customs formalities.
Good to know
As of January 1, 2021, there will also be a change in the law for the transport of pallets and other wooden packaging between Great Britain (GB) and the EU. From then on, pallets and other wooden packaging must comply with the so-called ISPM 15. This applies in particular to the export of pallets from GB to the EU.
Among other things, the ISPM working standard ensures that the wood does not contain any pests. It also prevents the spread of live pests via wooden packaging.
HST is happy to help you with your export or import declaration.
Need help? We offer three different options with regard to customs formalities:
You take care of the export and import documents yourself and provide HST with all the necessary customs information, such as MRN numbers.
HST takes care of both the EU export declaration and the EU import declaration digitally based on the information you provide, as well as the customs formalities in the UK through our partners.
HST takes care of both the EU export declaration and the EU import declaration digitally based on the information you provide, whereby you, or the sender/recipient in the UK, take care of the customs formalities in the UK.
Our customs department staff, Urbain Vroegop and Remon Vossebeld, will be happy to help you. Please feel free to contact them if you have any questions or require assistance:
+31 (0)53 – 480 40 59
customs@hst.nl
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