Preparing for Brexit

Whether you’re for or against Brexit, there is no question that once the transition period is finished the impact this will have on the shipping, transport and customs sector is going to be huge. Brexit will impact the whole supply chain - exporters to and importers from the EU - and the arrangements for businesses after December 31st are still unclear. There are, however, ways your business can prepare for the looming deadline.

So how can we, as a shipping company, help you prepare for Brexit?

We are already completing import and export entry on behalf of UK business for non-EU movements on a daily basis. Whilst importing from the EU may vary slightly from importing from outside the EU, the process of an import and export entry and the requirements will be very similar.

Therefore, if you are doing imports/exports from the EU we can assist you!

What should you and your supplier do to prepare for Brexit?

Firstly, get an EORI number.  This is a priority. Secondly, you and your suppliers should get used to preparing commercial invoices for every inter UK/EU shipment. You need to be familiar with the information required on the commercial invoice - 

• Name, address of shipper/seller and buyer/consignee/

• Goods description i.e. weight, size

• Trailer number (if full trailer is being shipped)

• Port/point of entry in the UK (dover for example)

• Commodity code of goods

• Value of goods

If you only import from Non-eu countries will this still affect me?

 Yes, once we leave.  Subject to any agreement with the EU, if we go to WTO (World Trade Organisation) terms, the import duty rates you currently have for your goods may change.

It is worth noting that the process for imports/exports from the EU is still to be agreed, and information is changing all the time. As a forwarder in Scotland, we are here to help and advise. 

 Please get in touch if you need further assistance.