Importing into the UK from the EU

From 1 Jan 2021 all goods imported from the EU to the UK require a UK customs import declaration. Although you have up to 6 months to complete the process, delaying your customs declarations will create a backlog, increasing administration costs and liability for any tax and duties due on goods. It is best practice to complete import customs declarations as early as possible in 2021.

Descartes e-Customs provides a straightforward way of submitting customs declarations through your customs registration. If you chose to defer any customs declarations it enables you to record the import pending submission of a supplementary declaration.

See how easy it is to complete import customs declarations with Descartes eCustoms software in the below video.

Since the beginning of 2021 all goods exported from the EU to the UK require a customs export declaration.

As of 1 October EXS declarations will be required for goods which were covered by a temporary waiver for goods in RoRo vehicles, and for empty vehicles, containers and pallets moving under a transport contract from Great Britain to the EU.

From 1 October 2021, S&S information will be required on all movements out of Great Britain, unless permanently exempt.

If you need to submit an EXS declaration, you will need to follow one of two processes depending on which port and mode of transport you use to export from Great Britain:

• You will follow the existing rest of world EXS process if you export through an inventory linked port or for any mode other than RoRo through a non-inventory linked port.
• You will follow a new EXS process for exports if you export through Dover, Holyhead or Eurotunnel or by RoRo via a non-inventory linked location. You will need to submit an ‘arrived’ Exit Summary Declaration which removes the requirement to submit a separate arrival message in CHIEF. To do this, you will need to submit an Export Full Declaration on CHIEF using a new Customs Procedure Code 10 00 056.

As of 1July 2022, safety and security filing will be required for all these movements of goods from the EU into the UK.

The procedure of Security Filing aims to secure the flow of international trade when entering the territory of the UK by carrying out a risk assessment while ensuring the fluidity of trade at entry points, regardless of the nature of the means of transport. It results in the obligation of filing of an entry summary declaration (ENS) before crossing the EU/UK border.

Contact us for more information or learn how to get ready for Brexit and submit the required customs declarations for your imports.

If you're ready to go ahead then you can sign-up to Descartes’ e-Customs software in our Online Shop to manage your customs declarations for Brexit.