Sending Goods Post-Brexit… Are Your IT Systems Ready?
We know the negotiations between the UK and the EU resumed last Thursday, after a week-long stand-off. But it’s still not clear what the final outcome might be regarding a ‘No-Deal Brexit’ and how that will affect our trade with Europe from 1st January 2021.
The UK has left the EU and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end at the end on 31st December 2020.
It’s fair to say we’ve all been a bit distracted this year with COVID-19 and this may have led to companies taking their eye off what still needs to be done.
UK companies looking to start trading in Europe and those who are already sending goods from the UK to Europe will most certainly want to be ready for what comes next…
All UK businesses who are involved in international trade will have to make changes, which need to be in place ready for 1st Jan 2021 and will apply to goods sold to EU countries.
At the moment, UK companies can sell goods to anywhere in the EU with no restrictions, and without having to pay additional import taxes and duties.
From January you will be required to use the same import and export processes that are used for the rest of the world for non-EU countries who do not have a trading agreement with the UK or EU.
An export declaration will need to be made in order to remove goods from the EU or UK customs territory and an import declaration will also need to be made to enter goods into either the EU or UK customs territory.
It’s the sender’s responsibility to ensure they are customs compliant and non-compliance will likely result in items being delayed, returned or further charges being levied.
You will need to provide your courier/s with additional information electronically in order to move your goods between these territories. How your IT systems will be able to provide information such as the following, should be urgently considered:
- Information on the sender – including Country of Origin
- Information on the Recipient
- Parcel Contents
- Parcel Weight
- Value of Goods
- Trade Tariff (or HS) Code
This data will be required in addition to a Customs Declaration (CN23) – to meet new customs requirements and ensure no disruption to your shipping after 1st Jan. You can read more here on the GOV.UK website.
In addition to this, if you haven’t already – you should also consider what changes will need to be made regarding transferring personal data.
KFA Connect are well-placed to help businesses ensure that the required information is available electronically from your own internal IT systems and sent to your courier/s with seamless integration and no manual input. In most cases, we can achieve this by utilising BPA Platform – (integration platform) to get your systems talking to one another and also with your third party providers – such as your courier/s.
Want to find out more? Get in touch today.
