1. Get an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number (EORI)
Any businesses who wish to be exporting to Europe, would need to apply for a EORI number. An EORI is needed for any goods that are being moved from the UK and any other country (including Europe). An EORI number is also needed for any transportation of goods between England and Northern Ireland. In order to get an EORI number, you usually need to have a business with premises that have a registered office, central headquarters, or a permanent location for business establishment. It should be noted that an EORI number is not necessary if goods are being moved for personal use. You’ll need an EORI number if you have someone doing customs for you, make customs declarations, use customs systems, or apply for a customs decision.
2. Understand commodity codes
When exporting to Europe, you will also need a commodity code. This can also be known as a tariff code, or a Harmonized System (HS). This code can be 6 digits, 8 digits or 10 digits. The commodity code can determine the customs duties and other levies, and the restrictions and prohibitions that may apply to your goods. The 6-digit commodity code is what can be known as a HS (Harmonized System) code. These HS codes are used worldwide and monitor trade levels and apply international trade rules to goods. 8- or 10-digit commodity codes are used for importing or exporting goods. You can use the tariff tool to ensure that get the correct commodity code.
3. Know the value of your goods
In order to ensure that you have the correct level of customs duty applied to your goods when exporting to Europe, make sure that you understand the value of your goods. Customs duties are calculated as a percentage of the value of your goods. Therefore, it is important to know the value of goods in order to make sure that you are not overcharged or undercharged on customs duty.
4. Are your goods prohibited or restricted?
It is incredibly important to check that your goods are not prohibited or restricted, as countries have different rules and regulations. Some of these goods require special licensing in order to be exported to Europe. For example, military goods, plants, animals and chemicals all need special licenses due to the natures of the products.
5. Know the origin of your goods
You need to be able to recognise the origins of the goods that you are exporting to Europe, as this can help to identify which goods qualify for little or no customs duty. The origin can refer to where the goods have been manufactured, grown or produced.
6. Consider getting subsidiary status in the EU
Getting subsidiary status is worth considering when a large portion of your business comes from the EU. Getting subsidiary status in the EU when you’re exporting to Europe can allow you to act as a distributor and importer for your EU supplies and customers. Getting a subsidiary can show commitment to your EU market.
7. Plan your resource
It is no secret that the UK is struggling after Brexit due to the lorry driver shortage, and this has had a huge impact on the times that goods are arriving at their destinations. Therefore, it would be wise to plan your resource wisely and try to ensure that you book freight transport at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure your goods arrive on time.
If you have any questions about exporting to Europe, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
