We have been approached by many of our clients recently with questions regarding planning for Brexit. Many of you will have seen the large number of messages being circulated within the industry over the last few weeks.
Some of these messages in our opinion, have been deliberately sensationalised intending to illicit a response, and have caused understandable concern. The following information will hopefully put your mind at rest over some of the questions that you are being asked to consider.
Do you import only from outside of the EU?
For PFE’s customers, importing from outside the EU, the impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit will be marginal. You will already hold an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number. PFE will continue to handle your imports into the UK as there is no change to process. If however there is a hard Brexit your EORI number will cease to be valid for use within the EU. Therefore if you currently import goods directly into other EU countries you may need to consider obtaining an EORI in an EU member state.
We are currently in communication with our agents in both Rotterdam and Antwerp and will update further in the following weeks with regard to any possibilities of fiscal representation that they / we may be able to offer.
However until there is clarity from the EU and our Government, it is unlikely we will be in a position to advise on the procedures from importing into the EU as a UK company.
Do you import from inside the EU?
In February 2019, we sent our customers an email advising of the introduction of new Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP) for customs. TSP will make importing easier via the Channel Tunnel and other roll-on/roll-off service ports for the initial period after the UK leaves the EU, should there be no deal. Businesses which import from inside the EU are asked to register for TSP. Once registered, you will be able to transport goods into the UK without having to make a full customs declaration at the border, and will be able to postpone paying for import duties.
For more information about the sign-up process please click here.
f you you require assistance, we would be happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
Imports Team on 01376 533042.
Customs Team on 01376 533006.
We will keep you posted on further developments as and when they occur.
