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Five things you need to know when shipping goods to the UK
Since the UK officially exited the European Union on January 1st, 2021, international trade patterns have changed significantly. If you are planning to ship goods to the UK, there are a few key things you need to be aware of. Here are five must-knows to help you navigate the post-Brexit landscape.
1. Understand the regulations for importing goods into the UK
Post-Brexit, the UK has its own set of rules and regulations for importing products. It is essential to familiarise yourself with these policies to ensure smooth trade relations. This guide to importing goods into the UK is a helpful resource to get started.
2. Prepare the necessary documentation
One major change since Brexit is the requirement for customs declarations. Shipping goods from mainland Europe to the UK now necessitates an export declaration, which includes details such as the nature of the goods, their value, and their country of origin. Essential documents include a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading, an insurance certificate, and a certificate of origin.
3. Consider the impact of tariffs and taxes
The UK has introduced new origin regulations. To qualify for zero tariffs, goods must meet specific criteria, such as being produced in the UK or the EU. If these conditions are not met, you may need to pay tariffs. The UK government provides a tariff schedule to help you determine the taxes and tariffs applicable to your goods.
4. Choose reliable partners
Partnering with reliable and knowledgeable shipping partners is crucial. Look for partners who are well-versed in UK regulations and have extensive experience with UK consignments. Ideally, your partner should offer both freight forwarding and customs brokerage services. This dual capability ensures your goods are transported efficiently within a certain timeframe and customs procedures are handled smoothly, saving you time and reducing logistics costs.
5. Comply with safety standards
Last but not least, make sure your goods are shipped safely and securely. Therefore, verify that your logistics partner adheres to all necessary quality and safety requirements, preferably the BRC Global Standard for Storage and Distribution. This international certification standard guarantees that your products are stored and distributed according to safety, quality, and legal guidelines.
The BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification is a component of the larger Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and outlines requirements regarding hazard and risk analysis, product safety and quality management, vehicle operating standards, etc. Because many of these criteria also apply to other industries, this certification is relevant even if your company is not part of the food industry.
Why Choose NDQ?
Shipping trailers to the UK in the post-Brexit era requires careful planning and preparation. To ensure your cargo arrives securely and on time, it’s crucial to understand the current guidelines and collaborate with a reliable shipping partner.
At NDQ, we manage over 100 trailer deliveries daily, making us your one-stop shop for all your UK and Ireland consignments. Our experts are here to discuss your specific needs and advise you on the best logistics solutions.