New rules for moving goods from the EU into Great Britain

© New rules for moving goods from the EU into Great Britain
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The UK Government has implemented new rules for moving goods from the European Union (EU) into Great Britain, which started on 1 January 2022. This means businesses who move goods into Great Britain from the EU, including both small traders and haulage firms, will have to adapt to these changes. Here are the actions to take: Customs declaration Businesses, traders, and hauliers must complete customs declarations on goods they are moving from the EU into Great Britain at the time they are transported into Great Britain. Goods arriving at ports using GVMS will need to lodge the customs declaration before they arrive at the port in the EU and should be made within 3 hours of the presentation of the goods at any other location. Since the start of this year, businesses have been able to delay customs declarations for up to 175 days from when goods arrived in the country. However, the changes on 1 January no longer allow for delays.

Full declarations must be made at the time of bringing goods in. Alternatively simplified declarations can be used if the importer or agent are authorised. For those moving goods permanently to England, Wales or Scotland from the EU, there are a number of steps to follow. A detailed step-by-step guide for new customs declaration rules can be found here.

This includes information on how to bring goods into Great Britain from the EU, as well as how much tax and customs duty you'll need to pay, and whether you need to get a licence or certificate. Businesses and hauliers can also apply for authorisation to use simplified declarations, which allows the movement of some goods into a customs procedure without having to provide a full customs declaration. However, it can take up to 60 calendar days to complete the authorisation checks needed, so you need to factor that time in before you want to import goods next year. Alternatively, you can hire someone to deal with the process for you, either as a direct representative or an indirect representative. These can be freight forwarders, customs agents or brokers, or fast parcel operators. What they can do for you, and who will be liable, depends on the services they provide, what you want them to do, or the commercial agreement you have with them. Remember, they cannot act on your behalf without written instructions from you.

Note: The new requirements to make real-time customs declarations do not apply to imports from the EU into Northern Ireland or for imports from Ireland into Great Britain. Registering for Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) Hauliers must be registered for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to move any goods between Great Britain and the EU. The GVMS system enables fast and efficient movement of goods and will be used by many UK ports. However, if you are not registered you will not be able to board the ferry or shuttle and cross the GB or EU border. Registration can take place online. Ports that use GVMS to control goods will need pre-lodged declaration references to be linked together within a single reference number, called a Goods Movement Reference (GMR).

The driver will need to present a valid GMR to the carrier for check-in.

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