Import customs clearance
in Great Britain

This is referred to as customs clearance when goods are handled for customs or tax purposes. Due to Brexit, trade in goods between Great Britain and the EU has changed significantly. Customs consequences make trade with Great Britain both more complex and more expensive. For example, duties and taxes must be paid when importing goods.

Goods exported by a company from the EU to Great Britain must be cleared through customs. Companies must be aware that there are restrictions on certain goods.

Export declaration

The goods must first be declared for export (from €1000 a so-called export declaration is required, up to €999 a commercial invoice is sufficient). In Germany, the IT procedure ATLAS is used for this. Customs distinguishes between

• final export,
• temporary export and
• Re-export declared by different codings

No VAT, excise duties or customs duties are levied under the export procedure.

Import declaration

In Great Britain, import duties, such as customs duties and taxes, will be incurred. Brexit now makes it compulsory: a digital customs declaration must be made when importing goods. The customs declarant and his representative need a so-called (UK) EORI number to trade goods with Great Britain. Ideally, this number should already be indicated on the commercial invoice.

Exception: A special arrangement applies to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland will continue to be treated as if it were part of the EU customs territory after Brexit.

In addition to a description of the goods, companies also require the so-called customs tariff number for a customs declaration. The customs tariff number can identify the goods. This is why it is sometimes referred to as a commodity code or commodity code number. The tariff number is essential for importation because it is used by the British customs authorities to determine whether the goods may be imported. In English, the term “commodity codes” is used here. In addition, any import duties that may be due can be calculated. The basis of assessment for customs duties is the so-called customs value.

Tip: Companies can use a calculator to calculate the import duties payable based on the customs tariff number. A corresponding working aid from the British customs authority is available here. Companies can view a step-by-step guide to importing goods here.

Customs clearance is facilitated for small consignments up to £135. Deliveries up to this value are generally duty-free.

Unfortunately, there is no general answer to the duration of customs clearance. As a rule, the process only takes one day. But the process can also be delayed.

Companies have various options for being represented for customs clearance in Great Britain. The options are

• Carriers
• Parcel service provider
• Customs agents or brokers

The person responsible for the customs declaration is also called the Importer of Record. The representative then assumes the rights and obligations of customs clearance. If necessary, declarations on safety and security must also be made.

More information on service providers eligible to act as indirect representatives for EU companies can be found here. However, companies must be aware that there are also costs involved in appointing representatives.

A free trade agreement has been concluded between the EU and Great Britain. A bilateral free trade agreement allows certain goods to be imported without paying customs duties. In simple terms, goods produced in the EU can be imported duty-free into Great Britain if the conditions are met and observed. Conversely, goods produced in Great Britain can also be imported duty-free into the EU. One often stumbles over the term “preferential origin” in this context. Companies must provide relevant evidence. This is usually done using so-called supplier declarations, which must be obtained annually from the manufacturer or trader.