Ready For The New EU Customs Rules? We Can Help!
If you’re a haulier or a company that imports goods into the UK from the EU, then you’ll likely already know that customs rules have changed. As of 1st January, full customs control rules have come into force. The question is – are you ready?
The good news is that if you’re not quite up to speed, the Waller Transport team is here to offer a complete end-to-end service. However, before we get into how we can help you, let’s take a look at the changes in greater detail.
The New EU to UK Customs Rules Now In Force
First up, we have the pre-notification requirements for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods that are now in place, having been put back from 1st October 2021. Also from this point, ports and other border sites will be required to control goods that move to and from the EU and Great Britain.
What this means is that unless your cargo has received customs clearance and possesses a valid declaration, they won’t be released into circulation, with most being denied exit from the port. What’s more, your goods may now be directed to an Inland Border Facility (IBF) for physical or document checks when they’re not able to be carried out at the border.
Future Rule Changes Coming For 2022
The aforementioned rules that are now in place represent just the first phase of new EU/UK customs rules, with more to come during the year. Let’s take a look at what’s in-store for 2022.
From 1st July 2022 – Physical checks & certification will be brought in for:
★ All regulated plants & plant products
★ All meats and meat-related products
★ All remaining types of regulated animal by-products
★ All remaining high-risk foods not derived from animals
High-priority plants and plant product inspections will also switch to designated Border Control Points (BCPs) and control points.
From 1st September 2022 – Physical checks & certification will be brought in for all dairy products.
From 1st November 2022 – Physical checks & certification will be brought in for all remaining animal products, including fish and composite products.
Also during 2022, those using legacy plant health systems (PEACH & eDomero) will be transitioned to the Plant Health Export Service (PHES) and the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS). Traders are advised to continue as they are until directed to use the new system.
Finally, importers who are VAT registered are now allowed to use postponed VAT accounting. This is not something they’ll be compelled to do unless they’re importing non-controlled cargos and using either Simplified Customs Declarations or Delayed Declarations for imports which results in an entry being made in the Declarants Records (EIDR).
Using Couriers & Freight Forwarders
There are many things you need to be aware of when importing goods between the EU and UK, even when using freight forwarding and courier services, so it’s vital that you check the relevant terms. For instance…
You need to check who’s officially going to make customs declarations, as well as other important details relating to your goods transit. Should they be working for you as a Direct Customs Agent (formerly known as Direct Representation), you’ll be asked to complete a form to give them authority to carry out this role.
This agent cannot alter any of these details without written client permission and if they do, they become an Indirect Customs Agent, which then makes them possibly liable for any customs debt that arises from errors being made.
Relax – The Waller Team Has You Covered!
As is pretty evident, the new rules are pretty complex and fluid, so they’re prone to changes too. So, if you’re not up to speed with your obligations and rights, it could very much end up costing you time and money. The good news is that the customs service offered by Waller Transport has you covered.
We’ll use our experience and encyclopedic knowledge of customs regulations to ensure that your goods pass between the EU and UK without any unnecessary delays. Our end-to-end service is one that you can absolutely rely on to get your goods where they need to be, safely and on time.
If you would like to know more about this, visit the Customs Service page on our website www.wallertransportservices.co.uk. Alternatively, if you need any assistance with any haulage issue or need, give us a call on 01473 254 717.