Due to Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer a member state of the European Union (EU).
All shipments between the United Kingdom and any other EU member state will be subject to customs procedures.
As a result, to finalise your shipment you will need to provide the Custom invoice.
Please find here below the key steps for shipping to the United Kingdom:
EORI Number
An EORI is a registration and identification number of economic operators which is valid for the entire European Union.
If you don’t have an EORI number, you can get more information on the EU commission website.
Companies based in the United Kingdom or those that wish to import/export goods to the European Union after Brexit will also need an EORI number issued by the British Government.
Tariff code
Also known as ‘tariff heading’, it’s a code used by customs authorities to classify the goods.
Correctly classifying your products is essential to ensuring that the customs procedure is correct. Thanks to this code, it’s possible to know the amount that needs to be paid, if preferential rights can be applied or if it’s necessary to have an import/export licence.
Declaring an incorrect tariff code may cause delays, returns and/or higher charges than usual.
You can get more information about the tariff code here.
Value
You need to indicate the value of the goods on the Customs Invoice (broken down by item). The correct value of the goods must be indicated to avoid any delays or restrictions at customs. This value can never be zero (0). Writing a value that’s not in line with the description (for example, £ 1 for the latest generation of a Smartphone) can cause delays or block your shipment. In the event that the authorities detect irregularities, they will request further documentation.
- If you’re sending personal items without a specific value, try to value them as accurately as possible - how much would you sell it for at a second-hand market?
- If you’re sending items manufactured by yourself, try to estimate the value of the cost of the materials and production.
Prohibited/Restricted items
Before shipping, it is important to check the restrictions of the country of origin/destination, as well as the documentation required, to avoid unwanted withholding.
As you know, there are countries that have certain restrictions or limitations for importing or exporting certain products, as is the case of the United Kingdom. You may check the products you cannot send to the United Kingdom here.
Furthermore, make sure your shipment doesn't include goods displayed in our list Prohibited and non compensation items.
Origin of the item
It’s important that you know the country of origin of the goods, as it will be necessary to indicate to this on the customs invoice. As a general rule you can find this information on the label, manual, pamphlet, packaging and/or invoice of a product.
For additional information regarding this, the British Government has published an extensive guide to prepare companies that ship to the United Kingdom.