Importing goods from the EU post 01.01.2021

[MEAVO]

Hi all

We import non-controlled goods from the EU and so far have obtained an EORI number (all the Brexit prep done so far!). Curious what others in a similar situation have decided to do after 01.01.2021? From what HMRC wrote it sounds like submitting customs declarations isn't that straight forward (special software is required) so going with a customs agent might make sense. Is this what others are planning on doing? Any recommendations on customs agents would be appreciated. Or will most freight companies take care of things? Are businesses waiting to see if any EU/UK trade deal does materialize before looking into this further?

Curious about your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[Import Expert]

Hi,

Whether there is a FTA or not it still means customs declarations are required. I'm finding that most of our clients want to use us as a dedicated clearance agent for all shipments (not just the ones we are carrying) to keep the process simple for them. Others may choose to get the carrier to do the import clearance.

Don't forget that you need to ensure your EU suppliers are set up to do the export clearances also.

 

[Mr D]

We are going to be doing the usual as before every other brexit date.

Overstocking from the EU suppliers so as to carry us through to Spring at least. By then problems will have grown or been solved, procedures should have been written or revised and we'll know more about where we stand.

Or we could end up with an announcement on 28th December that the can has been kicked down the road again, and we get another 3 months yet again....

Its not the leaving thats costing us orders and money. Its the not leaving bit.
You make plans, they get superseded by change in the date. You make more plans. Date changes again. And yet more plans.

 

[MEAVO]

Don't forget that you need to ensure your EU suppliers are set up to do the export clearances also.

Hi Darren, thanks for your input, much appreciated. Regarding setting up our EU suppliers, first time I hear about this, could you direct me to the relevant HMRC webpage or any other website where this is mentioned? I searched but couldn't find anything. I want to ensure our EU supplier is also ready. Thanks for the help!