Logistics has a critically important role to play in successful solution delivery but is nonetheless an often-overlooked success factor. When technology doesn’t arrive on time, in the right place or to the specification your customer expects, delays are experienced which can compromise your projects.Shipping thousands of consignments per month across EMEA from our high-capacity operations centre, we benefit from preferential rates which we pass on to you as part of our great-value service.

Logistics you can count on

With years of experience behind us we’ve built a fast and reliable global logistics solution. Using our tech-savvy global shipping network we can safely deliver everything from small packages through to large, high-value enterprise technologies anywhere in the world. When logistics matters, you can count on us to get the technology you need where and when you need it.

We take care of every detail, from the headaches of international customs to providing a fully auditable and traceable service.

  • Ability to ship to over 195 countries
  • Choose from a variety of delivery options
  • Roll-out project management capability
  • Secure storage and photography for traceability
  • Full assistance with export licence applications
  • Importer and exporter of record services across the world
  • Liaison with customs, tax authorities and insurers

‘Brexit’: upcoming changes and advice

As 2021 is approaching rapidly, with the pandemic affecting us all, it can be easy to forget that ’Brexit’ and the United Kingdom’s pending exit from the European Economic Area are just around the corner. The transitional period is due to end on January 1st 2021 and the way in which the UK trades with the European Union is bound for change, regardless of whether the UK and EU can agree on a trade deal.

Here are a few pointers you may find useful in adjusting to the transition:

What changes from January 1st 2021 for shipments going to and from the European Union?

From January 1st 2021, shipments going to the European Union from the United Kingdom (and vice versa) will be classed as an export / import and will be handled as shipments going to countries outside of the EU, such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, USA or India, to name a few.

Will I need an EORI number?

An EORI number, or Economic Operator Registration and Identification number is a unique ID code that is used to track and register customs declarations (imports and exports) within the European Union and will continue to be adopted by the United Kingdom from January 1st 2021. If you want to ship into the European Union from January 1st 2021, you will need to obtain an EORI number. You can check here if you have already been issued one by the UK government. All you will need is the business VAT registration number, followed by either “000”, “001”, “002” or “003”.

Will my shipment require Customs Declarations?

Shipments from the UK to the EU or vice versa, will require customs declarations. This is something you can handle yourself, but most businesses rely on couriers, freight forwarders or customs agents to do this on their behalf.

Will my shipment require any Commercial Documentation?

Shipments from the UK to the EU or vice versa, will require commercial invoices to aid customs clearance. Commercial invoices should contain pertinent information about the shipper/exporter and consignee of the shipment as well as pertinent information about the goods including, but not limited to HTS codes (Harmonized Tariff System), ECCN’s (Export Control Classification Number), COO’s (Country of Origin) and commercial value to support duty and tax calculations.

Will I have to pay import tax on imports from the EU?

Yes. Goods coming into the UK from the EU will have import VAT and potentially duty (check your commodity codes for duty/tax changes here) applied to them from January 1st 2021. This import VAT will need to be paid for the goods to clear or can be handled using a UK deferment account.

What is a deferment account?

A duty deferment account lets you make one payment a month through Direct Debit instead of paying for individual consignments. You can apply for a duty deferment account if you’re an importer or someone who represents importers and have an approved guarantee or waiver in place.

Will my shipment require any Export Licenses?

Goods in the technology sector that are classed as “dual-use” (including but not limited to routers, switches, access points, firewalls and WAN optimizers, fall under Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 5a002 and are subject to strict, licensable controls. These classified goods moving between the UK and EU from January 21st 2021 will require an Open General Export License (OGEL).

Should I charge VAT on goods destined for the EU?

From January 1st 2021, goods destined for the European Union from the United Kingdom will be classed as an export so there will be no requirement to charge VAT.

Will these changes apply to goods going to the Republic of Ireland?

Yes. Whilst Northern Ireland is part of the UK, the Republic of Ireland remains a member state of the European Union, so goods moving between the UK (England, Scotland and Wales) and the Republic of Ireland will be classed as an export. Goods moving between Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland will be treated differently.

What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?

The Northern Ireland protocol was negotiated as part of the UK/EU exit agreement and under this protocol, Northern Ireland will continue to enforce the EU’s customs rules and follow its rules on product standards. This will make checks on goods travelling from Northern Ireland (a non-EU country) into the Republic of Ireland (an EU country) unnecessary. Import VAT will be applicable for goods moving between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. The protocol is due to come into force on 1 January 2021 – the first day of the new EU-UK relationship.

What are World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and terms and when will they apply?

If there is no trade agreement between the UK and another country after Brexit, businesses will have to trade with that country under WTO rules. WTO rules state that the same trading terms must be applied to all WTO members, unless there is a trade agreement between 2 or more countries. This is known as Most Favored Nation treatment. Most Favored Nation (MFN) means that the UK cannot offer better trading terms to one country and not another, unless it has a trade agreement that allows it to do so.

Once I’m ready to export, is there anything else I need to consider?

Yes. Getting the goods out of the United Kingdom is half of the task. You will need to ensure that your customer in the EU is set up to handle import of the shipment. They will be required to file a customs declaration for import, obtain an EORI number for tracking of imports and pay any relevant duty and taxes due on the goods.

For information or advice on any of the above, please feel free to reach out to your Nuvias account manager or [email protected].

 

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