Imports and Exports

Since Brexit, imports and exports from and to EU-countries have become more complicated.

As a result, there are now phased in customs checks, duties, and large amount of documentation. In addition, there are extra health checks for the export of live animals and animal products.

Fortunately, the the deal signed with the EU means that there are no tariffs on imports and exports. However, you will now have to pay customs and other duties on some goods. You now pay VAT to the British authorities on receipt of the goods. In addition, complex rules of origin mean that your end customers may also have to pay customs duties. Thankfully, the EU has granted GDPR equivalence. This means that our data flows are not affected by Brexit.

Where to find information

Helpfully, the government continuously updates its information on importing and exporting goods to the EU/EEA. Furthermore, you can also sign up to email updates.

Usefully, a Summary Explainer, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (including Annexes and Protocols), Declarations, Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, the Agreement on Security Procedures for Exchanging and Protecting Classified Information and more are published here

In addition, you can find information on exporting into the EU on this European Commission page.

Discover the changes in VAT here.

You can also find detailed information on exporting into the EU at the European Commission Trade Helpdesk.

Additionally, you can find information on the future of GPDR on the ICO website. For the time being, existing GDPR rules will continue to apply as the EU has issued an adequacy ruling.  However, this could change in the future, especially if the UK rules diverge too far from those applicable in the EU. In this case, your company could sign Standard Contractual Clauses with your EU partners. Some companies should also appoint an EU Representative who can guarantee their GPDR compliance with the EU authorities.

Furthermore, the provision of Services and Business Travel are also affected by the changes. You can read country-specific information on the gov.uk website.

Regulations on the recognition of professional qualifications are explained here.

Business Helpline

As the rules for doing business with the EU changed on 1 January,  the government has set up helplines.  Helplines are available for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For assistance in England, call 0800 998 1098

Businesses in Scotland, call 0300 303 0660

Enterprises in Wales, call 0300 060 3000

Companies in Northern Ireland, call 0800 181 4422.

For more information, including opening hours, click here.

How Iolante can help

If you are new to red tape surround import and export, Iolante can assist you with English and German translations of documents concerning:

• Export duty
• VAT declarations
• Rules of origin
• Customs declarations
• Entry summary declarations (ENS)
• Exit summary declarations (EXS)
• Intrastat declarations
• Vehicle operator licenses
• Certificates of conformity
• EU Community Licences
• ECMT international road haulage permits
• ECMT international removal permits
• Bilateral road haulage permits for some non-EU countries
• Own account traffic
• Cabotage and cross-trade
• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card
• Carnets
• Export licenses
• Road consignment notes (‘CMR note’)
• Movement Reference Numbers (MRN) from the export declaration – required for moving goods out of the EU
• Local Reference Numbers (LRN) – for moving goods under the Common Transit convention (CTC)
• ATA Carnet documents – for moving goods out of the EU temporarily
• TiR Carnet documents – for moving goods in a sealed load compartment with a seal number
• Documents about the vehicle
• Vehicle security checklists and instructions
• Other documents including tachograph records and insurance documents
• Trailer registration certificates
• Insurance documents
• Correspondence with transporters or customs agents in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
• Customs paperwork
• Citizenship applications
• Applications for Settled Status and Pre-Settled Status

Iolante can also certify the translations of any of these documents.

Summarized translations and email and phone support

If you are drowning in paperwork and don’t know which of it applies to your business, contact me for a quick summary. I can provide you with general information on your foreign-language documents. That way, you can make a more targeted decisions on which ones to have fully translated.

Sometimes it’s easier to sort out queries or problems with a quick email or phone call. If your import export problem is turning your hair grey overnight, contact me. I can help you to sort out your questions quickly and directly with the other party.