Preparing for Brexit

Brexit will affect logistics operations considerably.

31 December 2020, the Brexit transition period ends and the UK effectively leaves EU’s single market and customs union.  Negotiations between the EU and UK may still result in a trade agreement  but, whether an agreement is reached or not, customs formalities for  trade between the UK and EU will be applied from 1 January 2021 and will have considerable impact on the logistics industry. 

Our objective is to avoid any disruption of our customers’ supply chains wherever possible. 

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE FOR BREXIT WITH CMI LOGISTICS:

1) NOMINATE A CUSTOMS BROKER
Complete our empowerment document to enable CMI to act as your customs representative

2) EORI NUMBER
Your EORI number will be needed for any customs declaration.  If you haven’t already received your EORI number from HMRC, get one here:  you will also need the EORI numbers of all your customers.

3) PROVIDE A COMMERCIAL INVOICE
To enable us to complete a declaration on your behalf, you must provide a commercial invoice, along with any license or certificates.

4) IDENTIFY VALUE, INCOTERMS, ORIGIN, GROSS/NETT WEIGHT AND COMMODITY CODES
These values are used to calculate VAT, duty & liability.  They must be included in your commercial invoice to enable us to process the customs declaration.

5) APPLY FOR A DEFERMENT ACCOUNT
This will allow you to better manage your VAT & duty as part of your cash flow.

We are updating our website regularly with developments, it is imperative that if you haven't yet started, then you must start taking steps towards being Brexit Ready.

The  UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to  an  end this year. Check the new rules from January 2021 and take action  now. 

From 1 January 2021 the process for importing and exporting goods will change. Find out what you need to do to continue to:

Import goods from the EU: 

Link (GOV.UK - External Website)

Export goods to the EU: 

Link (GOV.UK - External Website)

On  a previous post, we mentioned that on the 14th July the Government  issued its long awaited Border Operating Model, which can be found at HERE.   This document gives an overview of the main import and export  requirements and processes needed to move goods between the UK and EU  from the 1st January 2021.

You  will need an EORI number that starts with GB to import & export  goods from 1 January 2021 between the UK and non-EU Countries. 

If  you do not have one, you may have increased costs and delays. For  example, if HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) cannot clear your goods you  may have to pay storage fees.

Get an EORI Number

You can check whether you have an EORI number, here: 

Check EORI Validity 

Your  EORI number is usually your company VAT number proceeded by three zeros, for example our VAT number is: GB981210634 and our EORI number is: GB981210634000

We are now on the approved list of customs agents and fast parcel operators as compiled by HMRC, what this means is that we will be able to arrange clearing your goods through customs, as we have the right software to communicate with HMRC’s systems. 

CMI Logistics Ltd are awarded AEO F (Full) status by HM Revenue & Customs.

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On the 14th July the Government issued its long awaited Border Operating Model, which can be found at:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-operating-model.  This document gives an overview of the main import and export requirements and processes needed to move goods between the UK and EU from the 1st January 2021. 

There is some reference to Ireland in this, but we are still awaiting further clarity on the exact documentation and protocols that will be required.  Once this information is in place we will let you know accordingly.

To assist our clients we have already invested in software that is directly linked to HMRC and will allow all export entries to remain under our control. This facility also operates the same way for any imports back into the UK. 

At the same time as this, after a full and thorough vetting process we also received full AEO accreditation from HMRC which incorporated full customs and security status.  

You may have already received the ‘authority for a customs clearance agent to act as a direct representative on your behalf’ document.  If you have not signed this can you complete and return. 

If you do need another copy one is available HERE 

We hope that the above will help to assist but if you do need anything further please let us know.

CMI Logistics are here to offer direction to all our customers in our aim to help you prepare and plan for the challenges of Brexit which is rapidly approaching.

The effects of the final outcome of Brexit negotiations is now at a crucial stage, with both sides not yet in a position to find a compromise.  On 31st October 2019, should there be a “No Deal” outcome then customs clearance will be a definite requirement for all export and import movements travelling between the UK and Europe. Initially port congestion is likely as a result of increased customs entry presentations and trailer examinations by authorities at the port. It may be that a deal is put into place to prevent these measures but as the initial deadline draws closer it is recommended that you err on the side of caution rather than leave things until the last moment.

In order to help you prepare we recommend that your shipping department are in a position to provide us with an invoice and packing list complete with the following information;

· Exporters full name and address including vat number

· Importers full name and address 

· Importers VAT & DAN numbers

· Importers contact details including name, telephone and email addresses

· Description and value of goods 

· Commodity Codes

· Gross and nett weights

· Packaging details

· Country of Origin

· Incoterms

· EORI number

We have devised a form which will assist with ensuring your bookings have all the information required; Download

EORI NUMBERS

Check that your company has a valid EORI which is a requirement for customs clearance. The application process is relatively quick, currently taking a few days. If you find that your company doesn’t yet have an EORI, then you must apply. 

You can apply for your EORI number at: www.gov.uk/eori

COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTATION

Be sure that your company is in a position to create and present commercial documentation for all European export and import shipments.  You should include within your commercial documentation all details which are bullet pointed above.

COMMODITY CODES

You must also ensure that you have in place the relevant commodity codes for the goods you are exporting or importing.  Using the correct commodity codes not only allows CMI Logistics to make correct customs declarations on your behalf but ensures that the correct Duty is applied. 

To find out more please visit www.gov.uk/trade-tariff

Our staff at CMI Logistics have a wealth of knowledge dealing with customs clearance and related issues for shipments on a global basis.  Whether you are importing or exporting by road, sea or air, we have agency clearance connections to deal with your clearances at all major ports and airports throughout the UK.

We are here to assist and will be willing to provide you with any guidance where we can, in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact ourselves anytime, should you have the need.

Until such time,

CMI LOGISTICS LTD

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08/08/2019 UPDATE

As you are aware the Brexit deadline of the 31/10/2019 grows closer and with current stalemate between all parties, it appears that the UK is heading for a no-deal Brexit. Due to this and in preparation, we have prepared for you, to download below an authority to act as a customs clearance / direct representative for all exports or imports that we may undertake for you.

Can you please ensure that the form is completed, returned and signed on your letterheaded paper and includes your EORI number which you must have to ship internationally and is needed for our records. Would you also kindly show your vat number, where stated.

Once we have all the above information, we can log and secure on our system and will be positioned to advise you once known of further information needed to export / import goods.

I understand that the deadline seems a distance away, but the sooner you can return this it will help towards our preparations to act in your best interests.  In the event of a no deal scenario and no doubt as the deadline draws nearer, we imagine this is the last thing you will be wanting to deal with, as time at that stage will be very precious.

If you do need anything or wish to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact us 

Download: Brexit Customs Authority Representation