Delivering goods into Europe

Hi

I am in no way an expert in this field but could you not store the goods in France or a mid way point, then have them sent out ad hoc?
I don't know if this is financially or logistically worthwhile.

Alderson51 said:

Hello

We manufacture a product that sells well in France and the Netherlands , we have always used DHL or Fedex to send all but ideally we need to be able to deliver some of our larger orders personally, We have contacted some customs clearance companies who have explained that this is impossible as our customers do not have an EORI number of their own (due to the nature of our product we are selling mainly to clubs/sport associations)
Would anyone know if there is any way tis is possible and suggest any companies that could help at all?
thank you so much!

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Hi The customs experience you have experienced by using fast parcel operators is very different to dealing with proper freight. The parcel operators can used highly simplified systems and are geared up to infrequent importers exporters.
An EORI number is simply an importer/ exporter registration number. These are usually available easily and for free from their own countries customs authorities. Only businesses are required to apply for one. That applies to registered companies or sole proprietors. It’s not a big deal so your customers should just be encouraged to get a number if they need one. A quick internet search should point them in the right direction.

Private individuals do not need an EORI instead their full name and address is declared.

Some clearance companies only want to deal with companies/ businesses and do not want to be bothered with small infrequent customers.

Physically taking goods yourself is possible but you will need to arrange an export declaration out of the UK ( using your own UK EORI) and import declaration using your customers details before goods depart the UK . You are also likely to need to be able to submit a goods vehicle notification. This applies at most of the ferry ports. The ferry operators require this prior to boarding.
www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service

In the first instance You may be better exploring using a freight company who are already used to the procedure and have the ability to do customs declarations or have established relationships with customs clearance agents.

Alderson51 said:

Hello

We manufacture a product that sells well in France and the Netherlands , we have always used DHL or Fedex to send all but ideally we need to be able to deliver some of our larger orders personally, We have contacted some customs clearance companies who have explained that this is impossible as our customers do not have an EORI number of their own (due to the nature of our product we are selling mainly to clubs/sport associations)
Would anyone know if there is any way tis is possible and suggest any companies that could help at all?
thank you so much!

Click to expand...

Hi there, we are a UK company with a branch in NL with local EU VAT/EORI etc that enables us to import into the EU for local sales. Maybe, we can support depending on the products in question?

The Customer in France/Netherlands does not automatically need an EORI number just to receive the goods.

An EORI is required by the Importer of Record, not simply the consignee. If you act as the Importer of Record (using your own EU EORI or through an indirect customs representative), then your customers do not need a EORI.

They would only need one if they are declared as the importer on the customs entry.

AndrewHamilton said:

The Customer in France/Netherlands does not automatically need an EORI number just to receive the goods.

An EORI is required by the Importer of Record, not simply the consignee. If you act as the Importer of Record (using your own EU EORI or through an indirect customs representative), then your customers do not need a EORI.

They would only need one if they are declared as the importer on the customs entry.

Click to expand...

To add. The OP hasn’t responded at all so this is probably a dead thread.
Yes a UK exporter who is importing into the EU can obtain an EU EORI instead of the customer/ consignee. If the UK entity does not have a presence in the EU ( not established) then they MUST use an EU established entity as the representative.
Finding an indirect representative can be very difficult as that party takes on legal liability for the customs debt.
That debt liability lasts long after the import as the customs authorities ask for additional duties for at least three years after the import so not many representatives are willing to take on that risk.
In addition if a UK company is importing into their own name there may be liability to register for VAT in a particular country. There is a zero registration threshold’s for non EU businesses .
The easiest route therefore is for the EU customers to have an EORI and act as importer and deal with their own VAT affairs.

I believe the documentation requirements also change significantly depending on who is declared as Importer of Record (someone correct me if I'm wrong?).

If the UK exporter takes on that role (via an EU EORI or indirect representative as mentioned), they'll also need to ensure their commercial invoice, packing list, and any product-specific certifications reflect that arrangement correctly. Essentially the paperwork trail needs to match the customs declaration exactly or it can cause clearance delays.