Importing from China - VAT/EORI

[a4nthony]

Hi,

I have just placed my first order from China which is due to arrive at the end of the month. I have been told I will need to supply a VAT number for the goods to be released but I am not VAT registered plus I need something called an EORI number !!

I've looked at customs and excise website but am completely lost.

Does anyone know how this works ?

Many Thanks

 

[GraemeL]

Hello.

How has the freight been arranged? (Yourself; factory; freight forwarder?)

What sort of value?

What type of item - do you know the tariff code?

Who is clearing the goods through customs?

If you have not used a freight forwarder, you will need an EORI number. These are easy to get if you are VAT registered.

G

 

[a4nthony]

Hello.

How has the freight been arranged? (Yourself; factory; freight forwarder?)

What sort of value?

What type of item - do you know the tariff code?

Who is clearing the goods through customs?

If you have not used a freight forwarder, you will need an EORI number. These are easy to get if you are VAT registered.

G

It is a soap product and I believe we do have a tariff code (sorry at home at moment, not got it to hand).

The manufacturer has arranged shipping via DHL. We had some samples sent over a little while back and they just arrived at our office no problem.

The value is just over £3,500.

We are not VAT registered as this is a new business and not likley to meet the threshold just yet.

Thanks

 

[JamieM]

Hi,

You just apply for an EORI number using the application here.

It can take a few days so I would recommend getting it done asap.

Hope this helps.

Edit: You don't need a VAT number, just the EORI one.

 

[a4nthony]

Thats brilliant thanks, don't know why I couldn't find that earlier.

I do like this site

 

[a4nthony]

Does it mean that my goods won't be released if the number isin't issued in time ? I've just checked and they are due on 28th December, next Friday. Do you know what DHL will do with them ? Thanks again.

 

[JamieM]

Does it mean that my goods won't be released if the number isin't issued in time ? I've just checked and they are due on 28th December, next Friday. Do you know what DHL will do with them ? Thanks again.

Yeah they won't be able to clear customs until you get the EORI number. DHL will store them, not sure if they will add charges for that, hopefully not.

 

[GraemeL]

Does it mean that my goods won't be released if the number isin't issued in time ? I've just checked and they are due on 28th December, next Friday. Do you know what DHL will do with them ? Thanks again.

DHL will contact you and ask you for payment of VAT and any duties(depending on tariiff)/fees etc, before they can clear customs and release them to you.
DHL may ask you for the tariff code.

If you are using a freight company to clear customers on your behalf, which it appears you are, then you wont need an EORI number before the 28th.

G

 

[a4nthony]

Thanks, but I'm even more confused now !

So do I need an EORI number or not ? JamieM says yes, GraemeL says no, unless I'm miss-reading it ?

Am I using a freight forwarder by using DHL ?

Thanks again

 

[GraemeL]

From

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...E_PROD1_028598&propertyType=document#P14_1876

Do I need an EORI number and where can I apply?
1. If you are involved in customs activities and are established in the customs territory of the Community, you shall be registered by the customs authority of the Member State in which you are established

So if you are dealing with customs yourself, you need an EORI number. (Which is why I asked you how the freight had been arranged)

Yes, DHL is in practice a freight forwarder.

G

 

[a4nthony]

Ok, so not sure why DHL have asked me for an EORI number then, will have to call them tomorrow.

 

[GraemeL]

It all goes back to the original questions that I asked, as it is still not clear what the freight and clearance arrangements are.

My assumption is that you arranged for DHL to collect from factory, clear customs and deliver to your premises. That is the most popular service.

However, if the factory arranged the freight, or the freight was arranged to the port of entry only, then that may well have different requirements.

DHL may have people in offices today, as airfreight does not stop for weekends.

G

 

[a4nthony]

All we've done, is order the goods from China, then they have arranged everything else for delivery to our office (or so we thought) but then we're told we have to give an EORI number. If this doesn't make sense, I will check with my colleague tomorrow.

 

[GraemeL]

All we've done, is order the goods from China, then they have arranged everything else for delivery to our office (or so we thought) but then we're told we have to give an EORI number. If this doesn't make sense, I will check with my colleague tomorrow.

OK, so the factory has arranged the freight. (Not the best way to do this.) They have probably included the freight cost in the charges to you? It is unlikely it is to your door

DHL will want someone to deal with customs and if it is your intention to do so, then you will need an EORI number.

The alternative is to contact a UK based freight forwarder and ask them to help you with everything through to delivery to your door. Yes it will cost you, in addition to VAT and clearance fees. You will not need EORI to do this, as forwarders have their own.

Import Expert and Power Forwarding are both regular contributors on the International Forum. (No connection with me) Search and you will find them.

Note that you should ensure quick clearance at the port to avoid extra charges, whatever the day of week it is.

G

 

[JamieM]

OK, so the factory has arranged the freight. (Not the best way to do this.) They have probably included the freight cost in the charges to you? It is unlikely it is to your door

How is it unlikely it is to his door? He said the manufacturer has arranged delivery by DHL to his office. In that case all he needs is an EORI number to clear customs. He doesn't need a freight forwarder.