Clearance to the UK
WHAT DOES CLEARANCE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM LOOK LIKE TODAY?
The UK’s exit from the European Union on 31 January 2020 was no small event. There is nothing strange about this either. This involved the cancellation of a lot of regulations and the introduction of new regulations in their place, based on completely new arrangements between the UK government and representatives of EU authorities. These changes largely concerned imports and exports to this country. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union means not only new formalities, but also significant changes to which exporters and importers, among others, from Polish, have had to adapt.
Gradual changes
The UK’s exit from the EU was an unprecedented event. EU Member States ensure the free movement of goods throughout almost all of Europe. However, the unification of regulations and great facilitation required the abandonment of many export mechanisms of all countries. In return, it was possible to gain great benefits from free trade.
For these reasons, the UK’s exit did not happen overnight. For many companies, such a scenario would mean not only huge problems, but even the inevitable spectre of bankruptcy. Before the EU was reduced by one country, there were hundreds of talks at the highest levels. Even agreeing on the details did not result in immediate changes – these were introduced gradually. This was for the purpose of two important aspects. Firstly, it gave time for stakeholders to adapt to the new rules. In addition, it was supposed to mitigate such large changes.
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Changes on January 1
As of January 1, 2022, the following changes have been made:
- customs import declarations are required for all goods,
- deferred checks may not be applied,
- introduced customs controls on imports of goods from the European Union,
- designated the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) as mandatory for any import of products into the United Kingdom,
- pre-notification of products of animal origin was ordered and the control of documents in the IPAFFS system operating in the UK was started.
These changes may have caused a lot of confusion in transit procedures, but it was not as big a shock as would occur with a sudden change in all the regulations.
Changes on July 1
From the beginning of July, i.e. six months later, other regulations came into force:
- Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) are required for all UK imports of goods,
- an export health certificate, necessary for POAO, has appeared,
- sanitary and phytosanitary products should be pre-notified in the British IPAFFS system,
- physical checks for animals and POAO, as well as plants and plant products, appeared at border inspection posts.
However, not all provisions were fully implemented as envisaged in the schedule. Bans related to chilled meat imported from the EU have been limited. On the other hand, sanitary and phytosanitary checks do not have to be carried out at designated border inspection posts.
The schedule is to be updated this fall. This probably means further changes that would apply from January 2023. To find yourself in this maze of regulations and changes, it is worth employing specialists from the Embetim Customs Agency. In this way, the subsequent introduced regulations and requirements will cease to be a mystery and a difficulty for you. We keep our finger on the pulse and keep an eye on the activities of the British government in the field of exports and imports. Therefore, before the new guidelines come into force, we are fully prepared for them.
What do you need to trade with UK based companies?
Although it is difficult to provide clear indications of what is needed for import and export to the UK due to the constant changes in laws and regulations, we will try to present the current situation. However, please note that the following information may soon become out of date. Therefore, we recommend that you contact us with an inquiry about a specific service. We are happy to cooperate with you and help you trade with British companies.
From now on, goods from Great Britain must be checked at the EU border
From the moment the UK leaves the European Union, all goods imported from this country must be reported to customs offices at the border, where they are subject to the appropriate procedure for introducing goods to the EU market. This entails the obligation to submit an electronic application and obtain an EU customs statute. As a result, the list of formalities is lengthening (recently limited to the absolute minimum), and with it the costs of such an operation increase.
Likewise, goods exported to the UK now undergo the procedure of exportation to and exit from the customs territory of the European Union. This also requires the execution of appropriate submissions.
The relevant documents are submitted in the AIS / IMPORT system for goods imported to Poland and AES / ECS2 for goods exported to the British Isles. The confirmation of filing the application in the latter system is also the basis for VAT exemption (0% rate).
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Transit
The UK does not have a direct border with Poland. Therefore, all transports are carried out under the transit procedure. You can choose the common procedure in the NCTS system (in Poland NCTS2) or the nationwide TIR procedure. The first one is available only in the European Union and EFTA countries.
In the case of the internal procedure of the European Union, formalities are kept to a minimum. The declaration must be filed at the office of departure and endorsed at the office of departure. At the same time, the transported goods should be sealed with a customs seal all the time.
The TIR procedure is the result of an international customs convention that simplifies the transport of goods across the border of many countries. First of all, it allows you to avoid additional fees among countries not belonging to the EU customs zone. To obtain a TIR carnet, certain requirements must be met, including experience in international transport and a sound financial situation.
How much does it cost to export goods to the UK?
Higher costs are mainly due to the compulsory submission of more documentation and more thorough border controls. The dynamically changing situation with the requirements related to export clearance to Great Britain is also important. Customs agencies that serve such customers must train their employees and control the situation on an ongoing basis so that all shipments are successfully cleared through customs to the UK.
Agencies that have specialized in transport to the British Isles for years can offer a lower price. Such specialists adapt to the new regulations much faster. It is also a greater benefit for customers – they can be sure that their goods will safely cross the border.
Support of specialists
Customs clearance to England and import clearance from the UK have been changing gradually over the last few years. This is the result of negotiations related to the UK’s exit from the European Union. Although the new regulations are introduced slowly, they still pose a big challenge for companies.
How to prepare for such situations and always be up to date? It is best to hire specialists. New forms and procedures require not only experience and vast knowledge, but also work on learning about them. Therefore, this task can be entrusted to the Embetim Customs Agency. We have a team of specialists who follow the situation in Great Britain all the time. Customs clearance to the UK is therefore no problem for them. They do not have to for you either, if you take advantage of our offer.
FAQ
The UK’s exit from the EU was a huge economic event. Until then, the country belonged to the Customs Union, thanks to which goods could be introduced to the UK on the basis of the most simplified EU regulations. However, after Brexit, foreign trade with England had to be conducted on the same terms as with other countries outside the EU zone. To mitigate this shock, it was decided to split the shifts into several rounds and gradually change the procedures for customs clearance to England.
Theoretically, each shipping company submits all documents on its own behalf. So nothing prevents you from doing it yourself. However, you should take into account the possibility of making a mistake, which may result in the goods being detained at the border and long delays. It is for this reason that many exporters and importers cooperate with the Embetim Customs Agency – they are sure that all documents will be correct and that the formalities will always be completed on time. This guarantees them a quick border crossing and timely deliveries.