Preparing For A No Deal Brexit
With no agreement currently on the table, in the event of a no deal Brexit, we are offering some basic guidance to our UK customers to keep business running as smoothly as possible when importing or exporting goods.
We understand this is a worrying time for businesses but, despite all of the uncertainty, Orderspace will generate all the necessary paperwork to ensure you will be able to continue importing and exporting.
Importing
- If WTO rules and tariffs are used you will need an EORI number (see below)
- Follow worldwide customs rules
- Make import declarations
- Pay customs duties
Exporting
No immediate action required, but if no agreement is reached you will need:
- an EORI number (see below)
- a commercial invoice (see below)
- a packing list (see below)
- a commodity codes (see below)
What is an EORI number and how do we get one?
EORI stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification number. It is an identification number for any business importing or exporting goods to and from the EU.HMRC have advised they plan to automatically issue EORI numbers to over 88,000 UK businesses. Our advice is to pro-actively ensure you hold an EORI number and not make the assumption they will arrive in due course.
EORI numbers are given to importers and exporters by EU country authorities for free.
You’ll need an EORI number that starts with GB to move goods in or out of the UK if there’s no Brexit deal. If you already have an EORI number that starts with GB, you can continue to use it.
If you’ll be dealing with EU customs then you’ll need an EU EORI number. Get this from the customs authority in the EU country you first conduct trade with or that you request a customs decision from.
You do not need an EORI number if you’ll only move goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
UK businesses can register here
What is a Commercial Invoice?
The commercial invoice is the basis of which the customs declaration is generated and any duties levied. A commercial invoice outlines the goods being exported, their value and their commodity codes. It is issued by the seller stating what was sold and the sale price. Duty will be paid based on the commercial invoice.
What is a Packing List?
A packing list is the way customs or cross border controls can tell what is supposed to be in the consignment.What are Commodity Codes?
You’ll need a commodity code for each type of item that you sell to be able make your customs declaration when you bring goods in or send goods out of the EU. This includes goods sent to you from abroad. Find your [commodity codes](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/finding-commodity-codes-for-imports-or-exports#find-a-commodity-code).Next Steps
1. Check that you have been allocated an EORI number and chase up HMRC if you have not. 2. If you import goods from the EU into the UK, you may be eligible to apply for [simplified import procedures](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-simplified-import-procedures-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-without-a-deal?utm_source=cta-eu-roll-on-roll-off-jan-2019&utm_medium=letter&utm_campaign=eu-roll-on-roll-off). 3. Decide who is going to make your export declarations, and make sure they know [how to](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/customs-declarations-for-goods-taken-out-of-the-eu?step-by-step-nav=e169b2ac-8c90-4789-8e6c-3657729e21b2) 4. Check the [rates of tax and duty](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-temporary-rates-of-customs-duty-on-imports-after-eu-exit) for your products 3. Sign up for [email alerts](https://www.gov.uk/email-signup?topic=%2Fbrexit) from the UK government, so you will get crucial updates as they happen and straight from source.Sign up today for a free trial and see how Orderspace can reduce the chaos and completely revolutionize your wholesale ordering process.