Exporting from the UK

The export process is subject to regulations and requirements set by both the UK government and the EU.

View information about CDS Exports

To export goods from the UK to the EU, you will need to follow the steps below:

  • Determine the classification of the goods you want to export. This will determine the applicable tariffs and any other requirements that must be met.
  • Obtain an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. This is a unique identifier that is required for exporting goods from the UK.
  • Obtain any necessary licenses or permits required for exporting the goods. This may include licenses for exporting controlled goods, such as arms or dual-use goods.
  • Prepare the necessary documentation. This may include a commercial invoice, a certificate of origin, and other documents required by the EU country where the goods are being shipped.

We can assist with or explain the processes above, and will ensure all formalities are complete for your export.

Shipping Containers
Shipping Containers

Importing into the UK

The process for importing goods into the UK by road is subject to regulations and requirements set by the UK government.

View information about CDS Imports

To import goods into the UK by road, you will need to follow the steps below:

  • Determine the classification of the goods you want to import. This will determine the applicable tariffs and any other requirements that must be met.
  • Obtain an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. This is a unique identifier that is required for importing goods into the UK.
  • Obtain any necessary licenses or permits required for importing the goods. This may include licenses for importing controlled goods, such as arms or dual-use goods.
  • Prepare the necessary documentation. This may include a commercial invoice, a certificate of origin, and other documents required by the UK government.
  • Choose a method of transportation for the goods. In this case, the goods will be transported by road.
  • Pay any applicable tariffs and VAT (Value Added Tax) when the goods arrive in the UK.
  • Provide any additional documentation required by the UK government, such as a customs declaration form or a movement certificate.

Payment of VAT and Duty can be made by the following methods:

  • Immediate payment (payment direct to HMRC by bank transfer or card)
  • Cash account
  • Deferment account
  • Postponed VAT Accounting (VAT only)

We can clear all RoRo traffic, and the most popular sea-freight ("inventory") ports in the UK.

Importing into Ireland

The process for importing goods into the Republic of Ireland is similar to importing goods into the UK.

Importers must be registered with the Irish Revenue, and VAT and duty must be paid on goods entering Ireland from the UK, where applicable.

For RoRo traffic, a Pre-Boarding Notification must be created with the Import MRN (Movement Reference Number) and the ENS (Safety and Security Declaration) MRN before your vehicle can board a vessel. We can complete these processes for you.

Shipping Containers
Shipping Containers

Transit Documents

Under the Common Transit Convention, goods can move freely between the EU and the participating countries without the need for customs duties or VAT (Value Added Tax) to be paid at each border. Instead, these duties and taxes are suspended during transit and are only paid when the goods reach their final destination.

To benefit from the Common Transit Convention, traders need to obtain a transit document called a T1 transit declaration. This document acts as a guarantee that the duties and taxes will be paid when the goods reach their final destination.

We can create and manage T1 transit declarations, but it is your responsibility to ensure that it is discharged correctly at the office of destination. Failure to do so could incurr penalties and fines from HMRC and other customs authorities.