What to do now to prepare for 1 January 2021:
Essential Steps:
Get an EORI number
• A UK issued Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is essential for UK businesses that wish to import or export goods with the EU after the UK leaves the EU.
• Apply for an EORI number and you should receive it within 2-3 working days.
Check your commodity/tariff codes
• Commodity codes are used to ensure goods have the correct tariff classification. Using the wrong codes for your products in customs declarations risks paying the wrong tariff, costly delays at the border or even goods being blocked entry into the EU.
Know what certificates your products need
• To ensure your product can enter the EU, it will need to be able to pass EU regulatory checks for third country goods. Products of animal origin will be subject to additional requirements.
• Products of animal origin will need an Export Health Certificate and must enter the EU via a Border Inspection Post (BIP). Most fish products will need a catch certificate.
Find a professional to certify export health certificates - click here to view a list of organisations in England, Scotland and Wales that inspect and certify animals and animal products for export.
Check your product labelling
• Exported products must be labelled correctly to reflect the UK's third country status. UK products can no longer use 'EU' in country of origin labelling while products marketed as organic may face EU export restrictions until the UK becomes an approved third country.
• An EU importer/Food Business Operator address will be required on product labels and products of animal origin must include the new UK health and ID mark.
Decide if you will use a customs agent
• Most businesses use a customs broker, agent, or freight forwarder to make customs declarations for them. This can make exporting simpler and faster.
• Alternatively, you can make declarations yourself by obtaining approved software.
