What do I need to send a pallet to Europe?

Please read the following information carefully before booking your European pallet delivery.

Please note that, as the UK has now left the EU, shipping goods into EU member states requires a few more steps than pre-Brexit. 

Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number (EORI)

You will need an EORI number if you move pallets into the EU (to clear the goods through UK Customs). Your booking will not be accepted if you do not have a valid EORI number. 

Please note your EU buyer will also need an EU EORI number to clear the goods at the port of import. 

Commercial Invoice 

Commercial Invoices are now required for all goods leaving the UK.

The Commercial Invoice must state: 

• - The Seller's EORI & VAT number (if you do not have a UK EORI, you can register here if VAT registered or here if not VAT registered)
• - The Buyer's EORI & VAT number (if in the EU) - please check if the EU EORI & VAT is valid
• - Buyer's full address & contact details
• - Seller's full address & contact details
• - A list of all items to be exported with description and commodity codes (also called HS Codes or Tariff Codes) - please check your commodity codes
• - Country of origin 
• - Price & currency, any discounts or additional charges. Please ensure the actual value of the goods is used regardless of them being gifts or samples. 
• - Method of payment
• - Commercial Invoice number, date of issue and purchase order number
• - Packing details (no. of pallets/cartons/loose, weights and volume)
• - Customs Procedure Code (CPC) - please check your CPC
• - Valid incoterms, from the 2020 rules (we recommend DAP or DAP Cleared)
• - Preference Statement if your company has approved Exporter status and if the goods qualify - please check if your goods qualify
• - Breakdown of weights and value by Commodity code as below, if the consignment includes goods of multiple commodity codes or countries of origin:
• 

The price provided includes up to 10 product lines. Further lines will be charged additionally at £5 per product line afterwards. 

Please see our example commercial invoice for guidance. 

Please note that the seller should share the Commercial Invoice with the receiver to avoid unnecessary confusion and delays. 

Packing List 

The seller should also provide a packing list for Customs Clearance to avoid any delays if the information is not already available on the invoice. The packing list must state: 

• - Product & Description 
• - Product Commodity Code(s)
• - Country of origin of goods
• - Number of items in each package
• - Packing details (pallets/cartons/loose)
• - Packaging dimensions
• - Volume, Net & Gross weights per piece (kg) 
• - Total volume
• - Full Seller address
• - Full Delivery address
• - Related order number to correlate with the Commercial Invoice

If any details are missing, Customs will hold the goods until the correct information is submitted. 

Duty Deferment Account (DDA) 

You may need a DDA if you are importing goods into the UK. This allows for Customs charges, inlcuding Duty, Excise Duty, and import VAT to be paid once a month instead of per shipment. 

Find out if this is the best option for you and apply through GOV.UK. 

Restricted Goods - EU

It is important to check any controls or restrictions on your goods before shipping them into the EU. 

You may need additional certifications or licences to sell these goods, clear Customs or allow your buyer to import them into their country. 

Some restricted goods in the EU are: 

• - Rough diamonds
• - Self-defence sprays, like pepper spray
• - Counterfeit goods of any description
• - Some types of nuts, such as Brazil nuts still in their shell
• - Mercury thermometers and other goods that contain potentially dangerous chemicals

This is not a comprehensive list of goods that are restricted or prohibited; to see a complete list, please visit the European Taxation and Customs Union for more information. 

Additionally, individual members have their own restricted and excise goods list.

Please ensure you have checked controls for your goods before shipping into the specific member country. 

Remember to check our unsuitable goods list ahead of booking with us to ensure we can ship your goods through our network also. 

Restricted Goods - Norway

As Norway is outside of the EU, the list of restricted goods differs slightly. 

As a rule, if you are planning to send a pallet to Norway, you must check the regulations with the competent Norwegian Authority before selling the goods.

It is important to note that these restricted items cannot be transported using our services: 

• - Alcohol 
• - Tobacco 
• - Foodstuffs, plants, seeds, animals 
• - Endangered animal and plant species (CITES goods)
• - Medicines 
• - Waste
• - Explosives, fireworks and hazardous substances
• - Weapons, weapons parts and ammunition 
• - Cultural monuments and antiques

For a complete guide on how to export, please visit the GOV.UK.