IMPORTING GOODS FROM THE EU TO GREAT BRITAIN FROM 1 JANUARY 2021

The process for importing goods from the EU has changed. Businesses in Great Britain need to complete the following actions to continue importing from EU countries from 1 January 2021.

DECLARING GOODS FROM 1 JANUARY 2021

From 1 January 2021, you will make customs declarations when you import goods from the EU. These rules currently apply to importing goods from the rest of the world, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

You can make the declarations yourself or hire someone else such as a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent.

HIRING A PERSON OR BUSINESS TO DEAL WITH CUSTOMS FOR YOU

You can hire a person or business to deal with customs for you, such as:

• freight forwarders
• customs agents or brokers
• 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
• the commercial agreement you have with them

From 1 January 2021 they will need to be established in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.

To see more information on importing goods click here.   This covers information on the following:

• Freight Forwarders
• Customs Agent or Broker
• Fast Parcel Operators