The process for exporting goods to the EU will change. Businesses in Great Britain need to complete the following actions to continue exporting to EU countries from 1 January 2021.
Great Britain is England, Wales and Scotland. Guidance on moving goods into, out of and through Northern Ireland will be added to GOV.UK in the coming weeks.
1. Check if you should follow this step by step
You should follow different guidance if you're:
2. Find out how to declare goods from 1 January 2021
From 1 January 2021, you'll need to make customs declarations when exporting goods to the EU. These rules currently apply to exporting goods to the rest of the world, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
You can make the declarations yourself or hire someone else such as a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent.
and. Check the new rules for your type of goods
From 1 January 2021, the rules for exporting some types of goods will change.
- Check what export licences or certificates you need
- Check the marking, labelling and marketing standards for food, plant seeds and manufactured goods
- Check the rules for exporting alcohol, tobacco and certain oils
3. Make sure you have an EORI number starting with GB
You need an EORI number that starts with GB to export goods from 1 January 2021.
4. Find out if you can charge VAT at 0%
From 1 January 2021, you can charge customers VAT at 0% (known as 'zero rate') on most goods you export to the EU.
5. Check if the business you're exporting to is ready
The EU business importing your goods will also need to prepare for 1 January 2021.
Before sending the business your goods, check they can make the necessary import customs declarations. They'll also need a licence or certificate to import some types of goods.
