Brexit customs clearance - the next phase - Universal Customs Clearance

The next phase of Brexit Customs Clearance

In 2021, the U.K. introduced Brexit customs clearance procedures, with all imports and exports between GB and the EU requiring a declaration from 1st January, 2021.

To keep trade flowing, and allow traders on both sides of the border to prepare, imports into the U.K. have followed a phased roll out scheme for restrictions.

From 1st January, 2022, the next phase of Brexit customs clearance legislation will be coming into effect. But what does this mean for you?

The following changes will be happening from 1st January:

Brexit customs clearance will be required by arrival at the border

Until the end of this year, vehicles are able to enter the U.K., and unitised cargoes can be collected from port using the Entry In Declarants Records (EIDR) procedure to delay clearance by up to 6 months. This will be changing from 1st January, 2022.

Using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service for all road shipments, you will now need to have your Brexit customs clearance completed before the vehicle has embarked. The vehicle will not be able to enter the U.K. without a declaration on the GVMS system, taxes paid, and the goods cleared from inspection. Documents must also accompany the vehicle.

Goods arriving by sea will need to be customs cleared before leaving the port, using the port inventory systems.

Importer knowledge will not be accepted

Preferential duty rates for goods arriving from the EU will still be accepted, but importer’s knowledge will not be accepted on shipments where the value is over GBP5500/EUR6000. Importer’s knowledge is when the goods are known to be originating in the EU, but the invoice does not state this.

From 1st January, 2022, all EU exporters will need to be a registered exporter. They can do this by applying here. Once they are approved, they will get a registered exporter (REX) number.

The REX number will need to be included on your commercial invoice with a clause similar to the following:

“The exporter (customs authorisation number **********) of the products covered by this document declares that, unless otherwise stated, that these goods are of ** origin.”

If this clause is not on your invoice, and the value is over GBP5500/EUR6000, then you need to calculate import duty on your shipment.

Some foodstuffs will be banned – all others will require declaration

The following foodstuffs will no longer be accepted for import into the U.K.:

– chilled mince meat (beef, goat, mutton, lamb, pork).

– chilled meat preparations – EG burgers, sausages.

– meat that has been mechanically separated from poultry, game, or ratite birds.

– chilled or frozen minced poultry.

– ungraded eggs.

– raw milk from cattle herds with bovine tuberculosis (TB).

Any of these products will be refused or destroyed on arrival to the U.K. Check your products will still be legal from 1st January, 2022.

Other foodstuffs will require pre-notification on IPAFFS, and declared on your import customs clearance. Copies of the documents also need to accompany the load.

Need help with Brexit Customs Clearance?

Our team can help you prepare for the next phase of Brexit customs clearance now. Please get in touch for more information.