
Supply chain problems are multiplying rapidly as a result of Brexit. Early preparation is key to ensuring that your business is ready to deal with any issues before the product is shipped. The problems were masked in January as many companies had stockpiled goods before Christmas to give themselves a chance to assess the situation.
The main early problem is that companies are making mistakes with all the paperwork they now have to complete. Some are simply not submitting the right paperwork as they don’t realise that the UK is no longer part of the EU Single Market and Customs Union. The key issue is that goods now have to go through much stricter border controls, as the UK has become a “3rd country”. On some days, up to 20% of all movements are being rejected. Customs officials are there to stop things happening, and they will not simply let the goods through based on a promise to “do better next time”.
Hauliers are in the middle of all the problems, and EU hauliers are increasingly refusing to take loads to Britain, as the increased border controls caused by Brexit and coronavirus checks make those journeys less profitable. The rejection rate for loads destined for Great Britain from France in January was more than twice the average for the third quarter of 2020.
Some time-limited waivers were initially granted to allow business to adapt. But these waivers have already started to expire. And the situation is likely to become more complex as the UK government starts to impose its own Border controls – even though the main date for this has now slipped to 1 January 2022.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE LINKS
This EU link provides a detailed description of the main documents involved in Customs clearance
Documents for Customs clearance
Apply for a customs comprehensive guarantee to cover customs debts
Use customs comprehensive guarantees to cover customs duties when you regularly import goods
If you are moving excise goods into the UK after 1st January 2021, you will need to become a registered consignor or appoint a registered consignor
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-excise-goods-to-the-uk-from-the-eu-from-1-january-2021
If you are new to importing there are many experienced companies that can help you with the process of dealing with customs and clearance issues. The links below give you access to customs agents and fast parcel operators who can help submit customs declarations and are HMRC approved. Note that operators need to be established in the EU for exports from the UK or in the UK for imports into the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/appoint-someone-to-deal-with-customs-on-your-behalf
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-customs-agents-and-fast-parcel-operators
