The Changes To Cross-Border Trade in Ireland

After voting to leave the European Union, Britain automatically lost the right to remain in the single goods market and ultimately, this led to some big changes to the way we trade cross-border. 

We’re here to help you understand the new requirements when shipping goods to Ireland… 

Has Northern Ireland Left the EU? 

In all honesty, the process of sending pallets to Northern Ireland hasn’t changed all that much. 

Despite Northern Ireland leaving the EU with the rest of the UK, it will still be treated as though it is part of the European Customs Union - make sense? 

While paperwork is required for goods heading into Northern Ireland, you DO NOT need to complete any when booking a delivery to Northern Ireland with PalletOnline.

We will process Customs paperwork for you. 

If you have any questions about sending a pallet to Northern Ireland, please contact us through Live Chat and we’ll be happy to help! 

Is the Republic of Ireland Part of the EU? 

As the Republic of Ireland is still part of the European Customs Union, shipping goods there became slightly more complex from 1st January 2021. 

All goods shipped from the UK to the Republic of Ireland will be treated as exports and additional documents are required in order for them to clear Customs.

Also, as your goods may be subject to additional taxes and duties, it’s crucial that you register for an EORI number before you book collection and delivery. 

You can use your unique EORI number to track and register Customs information in the EU. 

Remember to provide a Commercial Invoice with the following details when shipping a pallet to Ireland: 

• - Full Product Line List
• - Commodity Codes for Products (these must be full 10 digit codes) 
• - Manufacturer Country of Origin
• - Full Importer and Exporter Details (addresses and names etc.) 
• - Valid EORI Numbers for Both Importer and Exporter
• - Value of Goods
• - Correct Incoterms (please see our Incoterms help page)
• - Invoice Number
• - Total Weight

By failing to submit the correct details, delivery delays will be very likely and your goods will be held until the correct information is provided. 

Also, the buyer may have to pay Customs charges for their goods. 

Will These Changes Affect Pallet Shipping? 

Although it seems like a lot has changed, virtually all pallet couriers are handling deliveries to Ireland extremely well despite the recent surge in volumes.

Plus, other than new paperwork requirements, nothing has drastically changed! 

When shipping from the UK to Ireland, all you need to do is make sure you have submitted the details above, correctly. 

Due to such high volumes of freight heading over to Ireland at present, you may experience a small delivery delay but this is completely normal as your goods make their way through HM Customs for approval. 

As mentioned earlier, the buyer may also have to pay taxes and duties for Customs Authorities, but these should not really affect you or your business. 

What Has Happened To Freight Volumes?

Burdened with the uncertainty of Brexit in the middle of a global pandemic, businesses were extremely eager to ship goods out to their customers, before profit margins were expected to drop. 

However, despite concerns over falling freight volumes, demand soon picked up again early into 2021.

Plus, with a nationwide driver shortage, virtually all pallet networks began struggling to cope with such volumes and were forced to implement temporary service restrictions to relieve some of the pressure. 

On a more positive note, despite battling with new Customs requirements, volumes of freight sent from Britain to Northern Ireland have increased by 4.3% since February 2021. 

Furthermore, as businesses and sellers become familiar with the new Customs process and requirements, numbers are expected to be on the rise once again!

It may just take a little patience, guidance and a gentle nudge in the right direction from a trusted pallet courier to fill you with confidence! 

What Are Incoterms? 

Lastly, submitting the correct Incoterms is crucial to ensuring all taxes, duties and responsibilities are distributed correctly and that you don’t face delays. 

Here are the 7 most common Incoterms: 

• CIF - means the seller must cover the cost of insurance on behalf of the buyer for the goods shipped. 
• DDP - means the seller pays for all transport costs and bears the full risk until the goods reach the delivery location. The seller also pays the duty.
• DAP - the importer/receiver pays when this option is selected.
• FCA - where the seller hands over the goods, cleared for export, into the custody of the first carrier at the named location. The term ‘FCA’ is used for ALL means of transport, including air, rail, road and multimodal. 
• FAS - where the seller places the goods next to the ship at the designated port. They must then clear the goods for export. 
• FOB - means the seller loads the goods onto the nominated ship with the cost and risk separated at the ship’s rail. The seller then clears the goods for export. 
• PO - a commercial document issued by the buyer to the seller. This states the type, quantity and the agreed cost of products or services the seller is providing to the buyer. 

We have an entire help page dedicated to explaining Incoterms. 

Please read them carefully and enter the correct details on your paperwork. 

You can book a pallet delivery to Ireland with PalletOnline by heading over to our home page; Getting your unique quote takes just a few minutes! 

Please contact us on Live Chat if you need help arranging your pallet delivery.