EXPORTERS

1. Make sure that your business has an EORI number

Economic Operator Registration and Identification number. This will be needed for completing and declaring safety and security information.

Available online at gov.uk/eori or call HMRC on 0300 322 7067. This can take up to 5 working days to receive.

2. Get Commodity Codes for all goods you move

Commodity codes are needed for customs declaration. They need to be shared with whoever is doing your customs declarations.

Commodity codes can be found on the Gov.uk website gov.uk/trade-tariff.

Confused? Use the CustomsLink Tariff Classification service.

3. Make sure you can quickly access your Commodity Codes

Once you have your commodity codes, make sure they are somewhere you can quickly access them. Preferably digitally, so you can create export and import documents.

4. Speak to your customers about customs processes and apply for the Government Customs Grant

Check your eligibility now!

5. Get ready for Export Safety and Security Declarations (SSD)

Safety and Security Declarations (also known as entry and exit summary declarations) are completed so that the HMRC (or another country’s equivalent) will be able to assess the risk of the goods that are being exported in order to monitor what is moving across the border. These forms simply detail the goods that are being imported or exported. Find out more about Export SSDs

It is your hauliers responsibility to produce SSD documents, but you need to provide the information to them.

Don’t worry, this service is available within the CustomsLink platform.

6. Ensure your Commercial Invoices contain the correct data for customs declarations

Speak to your customs agent or logistics company to ensure your commercial invoices are correct. How to create an export invoice

7. Apply for Export Licenses

From the 1st January 2021, you may be required to carry an import / export licence or certificate in order to transport particular goods between the UK and the EU. Apply for Export Licences

8. Agree Incoterms with your customer

As an exporter, you need to make sure shipping and delivery responsibilities are written down and clearly understood. This is important as you only pay duty on the value of the goods and not the transportation, insurance etc.

9. Apply for an ATA Carnet if you are temporarily taking goods out of the UK

The ATA Carnet is a international customs document which allows the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment or goods. Apply for an ATA Carnet

IMPORTERS

1. Make sure that your business has an EORI number

Economic Operator Registration and Identification number. This will be needed for completing and declaring safety and security information.

Available online at gov.uk/eori or call HMRC on 0300 322 7067. This can take up to 5 working days to receive.

2. Get Commodity Codes for all goods you move

Commodity codes are needed for customs declaration. They need to be shared with whoever is doing your customs declarations.

Commodity codes can be found on the Gov.uk website gov.uk/trade-tariff

Confused? Use the CustomsLink Tariff Classification service.

3. Make sure you can quickly access your Commodity Codes

Once you have your commodity codes, make sure they are somewhere you can quickly access them. Preferably digitally, so you can create export and import documents.

4. Speak to your suppliers about customs processes and apply for the Government Customs Grant

Check your eligibility now!

5. Get ready for Import Safety and Security Declarations (SSD)

Safety and Security Declarations (also known as entry and exit summary declarations) are completed so that the HMRC (or another country’s equivalent) will be able to assess the risk of the goods that are being imported in order to monitor what is moving across the border. These forms simply detail the goods that are being imported or exported. Find out more about Import SSDs

It is your hauliers responsibility to produce SSD documents, but you need to provide the information to them.

Don’t worry, this service is available within the CustomsLink platform.

6. Apply for a Duty Deferment Account

Duty deferment accounts allow you to pay for import, excise and customs duties by direct debit in one monthly payment. Once you have a duty deferment account you will also be able to apply for CFSP (Customs Freight Simplified Procedures), which simplify the customs process, and submit supplementary declarations, which speed up customs processes.

Duty deferment accounts can take ninety days to process so it is important that you APPLY NOW to be prepared for January 1st 2021.

7. Apply for Simplified Declarations

When you make a customs declaration, you may be able to make a simplified declaration when your goods arrive at a UK or EU port. Apply for simplified declarations

8. Ensure your Commercial Invoices contain the correct data for customs declarations

Speak to your customs agent or logistics company to ensure your commercial invoices are correct

9. Apply for Import Licenses

From the 1st January 2021, you may be required to carry an import licence or certificate in order to transport particular goods between the UK and the EU. Apply for Import Licenses

10. Agree Incoterms with your supplier

As an importer, you need to make sure shipping and delivery responsibilities are written down and clearly understood. This is important as you only pay duty on the value of the goods and not the transportation, insurance etc.

11. Apply for an ATA Carnet if you are temporarily taking goods out of the UK

The ATA Carnet is a international customs document which allows the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment or goods. Apply for an ATA Carnet

HAULIERS

1. Make sure that your business has an EORI number

Economic Operator Registration and Identification number. This will be needed for completing and declaring safety and security information.

Available online at gov.uk/eori or call HMRC on 0300 322 7067. This can take up to 5 working days to receive.

2. Speak to your customers about customs processes and apply for the Government Customs Grant

Check your eligibility now!

3. Make sure you have the correct driver / vehicle documents

Drivers documents

• Valid Passport | CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence Card) | IDP (International Driving Permit)

Vehicle documents

• Vehicle tax | Vehicle Operator’s Licence - if vehicle gross plated weight > 3.5 tonnes or unladen weight > 1.5 tonnes | 3 licences depending on vehicle usage: Standard , Standard International or Restricted

Apply online at gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence (decision is usually made within 7 weeks)

• Ensure any drivers used or employed have the correct licence and training - EU Community Licences | ECMT international road haulage permits | Bilateral road haulage permits

More information available at gov.uk/guidance/international-authorisations-and-permits-for-road-haulage

• Specialist ADR test to transport Dangerous Goods - contact the DVSA to book a test ADRBooking@dvsa.gov.uk | Fax: 01792 454367.

4. Get ready for Import Safety and Security Declarations (SSD)

THE HAULIER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE DECLARATIONS

Safety and Security Declarations (also known as entry and exit summary declarations) are completed so that the HMRC (or another country’s equivalent) will be able to assess the risk of the goods that are being imported in order to monitor what is moving across the border. These forms simply detail the goods that are being imported or exported. Find out more about Import SSDs

Don’t worry, this service is available within the CustomsLink platform.

5. Register your trailer for use in the EU (excluding Ireland)

All UK trailers used in international commercial road haulage (except Ireland) above 750kgs must be registered. Apply online at gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad.

6. Provide accurate CMR / Consignment notes

It is likely these will be checked against customs declarations.

7. Apply for International Drivers Permits (IDP)

Available at selected post offices. More information available at postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit

8. Be aware of which goods need to go to Border Control

Some goods will need to go to a Border Control point as soon as you get off the ferry / tunnel. If you are carrying multiple consignments this will delay your vehicle.

9. Apply for relevant licences and documents that will be inspected at border control

There are rules/licences required for transporting certain goods. Your driver may need to follow set routes or stop at specific check points if you are transporting mixed loads or specific types of goods. Traces NT for EU movements and IPAFFS for UK movements. A booking needs to be made 24 hours prior to movement/arrival at port.

Check the rules for:

• Live Animals | Dangerous Goods | Perishable Foods | Abnormal Loads

10. Subscribe to any mandatory port services

Some ports, including those in Belgium and the Netherlands, will require pre-notification of customs documents before you can enter the terminal. Without this, you may be denied access. 

• RX Seaport (Belgium) | Portbase (Netherlands) | Si Brexit (France) | Teleport2.0 (Spain)

11. Have the correct documents / references ready

Your driver will need certain documents/references ready two hours before they arrive at the ENTRY border -

• Clearance documents | GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement System) | Safety and Security Declarations | Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) | Apply for KAP (Kent Access Permit) using 'Check an HGV is Ready to Cross the Border' service