Brexit Preparation Checklist
Whether it is your first time sending a pallet to Europe, or it has been a while since you last shipped items overseas, you must make sure your consignment meets all the requirements before arranging delivery.
Please ensure you have read the following information carefully. We have summarised everything you need to ensure you are fully prepared for trading in Europe.
1) EORI Number
Both the buyer and seller must be registered to send and receive shipments to and from the UK and European countries. You both must have a valid Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, and be VAT registered to do this. Without this, your delivery will be refused.
2) Commodity Codes/UK Tariff
You must classify the tariff codes for all items you wish to ship. If you need more support or advice on how to classify your items, you can always contact HMRC directly and they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
3) Customs Procedure Codes
Please ensure you notify PalletOnline in advance of any customs declarations if items are being temporarily exported. For example, if items are being shipped out of the UK and European countries for repair or exhibition etc.
4) Export and Import Licence/Control
You must establish whether your items are subject to licencing or controls. If they are, you will need to liaise with your buyer, or the seller, to avoid Customs entry delays. This will help ensure your Europe pallet delivery runs as smoothly as possible.
5) Origin of Items
Identify the origin of the items you are shipping. You must establish whether the items qualify as being of UK or European origin. You will need this information for your commercial invoice, and this will also help to identify whether your items are restricted in the country you wish to send them.
6) Packing Material Requirements
The materials you use to ship your items should be carefully considered. If you use wood packing material, i.e. wooden pallets, for shipping between the UK and European countries, they must be ISPM15 approved. You can always ask for more details if you are unsure.
7) Commercial Invoice and Packing List
Please ensure your documents contain all the correct and relevant information to allow us to complete Customs entries on your behalf. This information must be accurate. Please see our Help Centre for more details on packing list requirements.
8) Nominating a Customs Broker
To send a pallet to Europe with us, you must nominate PalletOnline as your Direct Representative when handling Customs declarations on your behalf. This will allow us to declare and amend export entries for you so that you do not have to worry.
9) Applying for Duty Deferment Account
You can apply for a Duty deferment account to help ease your Duty payment process when importing from the EU. This way, you won’t have to worry about paying any unexpected Customs charges and your items will reach their destination as quickly as possible.
10) Customs Delays
If working in a time-sensitive sector, you should certainly consider how your European clients could be impacted by potential Customs delays. For example, time-deliveries, potential penalties for delays, and even short shelf-life products.
For this reason, you must ensure you have everything ticked on this checklist for your Europe pallet delivery every time. This will help ensure your items reach their destination with no issues and with no delays.
If you require more information regarding Europe pallet delivery, please contact us directly. Our friendly customer support team will be more than happy to assist and advise you.