Import declarations from the EU will commence on 1st January 2021

5 years, 8 months ago by Oliver Atkinson

From 01/01/21, import declarations will need to be submitted. In essence, importing from the EU from 01/01/21 will align with the rules for importing from the Rest of the World.

These will be best managed by a freight forwarding company or customs agent. It would be best to arrange one now or to speak to your current provider.

Things you need to do now

Do you have an EORI number? Please visit here to register.

Not sure if you are already registered? Your EORI number is usually your UK vat number with 000 on the end. You can check here.

Grants – from 16/11/20, £1,000 grants can be applied for to be used for training and IT for the new regime. They can be applied for here.

The new system and the UK Global Tariff:

The UK’s new tariff, the UK Global Tariff will apply to importing goods (NOT SERVICES) and replace the EU Common External Tariffs on 01/01/21. These will apply except when a Free Trade Agreement has been agreed. Please see here to view the new UK Global Tariffs.

Exemptions to import duty will apply when importing small amounts of products.

These rates are provisional for EU imports. If a Free Trade Agreement in place by 01/01/21, these tariffs may not apply. They will apply for RoW imports from 01/01/21, unless a Free Trade Agreement has been agreed with the RoW country.

Between 01 January and 30 June, any declarations needed can be delayed, although it would be recommended not to delay.

Simplified Declarations:

Simplified Declarations will be followed by most businesses who are not importing controlled goods. This will all be completed by your freight forwarder or customs agent and will include information like customs procedure codes, product codes, consignee and consignor, type, amount and packaging of goods.

When are declarations needed: 4th working day of the month following the date of import.

Normal declarations are needed for controlled goods and those businesses which have poor declaration records.