What Do I Need to Send a Pallet to Europe?

Before you go ahead and book your European pallet delivery, take a quick look at the important info below.

Quite a lot of things have changed since the UK left the EU. Shipping goods into EU member states isn't quite the same as it used to be before Brexit.

Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) Number 

You'll need to make sure you've got an EORI number if you're shipping pallets into the EU. Your booking won't get the green light if your EORI number isn't valid.

It's also important to remember that your EU buyer will need their own EORI number to handle the goods when they arrive at the import port.

No EORI number in your toolkit right now? No worries. You can easily apply for one through the government website.

Commercial Invoice 

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

Your Commercial Invoice must state: 

• Seller EORI
  The Seller's EORI & VAT number, this is usually the also the collection address. If you do not have a UK EORI, you can register here if VAT registered or here if not VAT registered.
• Buyer EORI
  The Buyer's EORI & VAT number (if in the EU), this is usually the also the delivery address. Please check if the EU EORI & VAT is valid.
• Buyer Address
  Buyer's full address and contact details.
• Sellers Address
  Seller's full address & contact details
• Item List
  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
  The country where the goods were originally manufactured.
• Price & Currency
  This should include 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
  The method of payment used to pay for the goods that are in transit.
• Invoice Information
  Commercial Invoice number, date of issue and purchase order number.
• Packing Details
  Number of pallets, cartons, loose, weights and volume.
• Customs Procedure Code (CPC)
  Please check your CPC
• Incoterms
  Valid incoterms are required from the 2020 rules (we recommend DAP or DAP Cleared). Please see our incoterms guide for help.
• Preference Statement
  To state if your company has approved Exporter status and if the goods qualify - please check if your goods qualify
• Breakdown
  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 might want to consider getting a DDA (Duty Deferment Account) if you're bringing goods into the UK. This arrangement lets you handle Customs fees, which encompass Duty, Excise Duty, and import VAT, on a monthly basis instead of for each individual shipment.

It's a good idea to decide if this approach aligns well with your needs. If you think it would benefit you or your business, go ahead and apply for one on the government website.

Restricted Goods - EU

It's crucial to make sure you're aware of any rules or limitations on your goods before you ship them into the EU. Depending on what you're sending, you might need extra certificates or licenses to actually sell these items, get through Customs, or let your buyer bring them into their country.

Goods that are often restricted 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 isn't a full list of everything you can't send or bring in; for the full scoop, you can visit the European Taxation and Customs Union.

It's also worth noting that each member has their own list of no-go and special goods.

Don't forget to do a once-over on your goods to make sure they're cleared for delivery to your destination country.

Also, before you lock in a booking with us, give our list of prohibited goods a quick check-over to be sure we can transport your goods without issue.

Restricted Goods - Norway

Since Norway isn't part of the EU, there's a slight variation in the lineup of restricted items.

If you're planning on shipping a pallet to Norway, it's worth running a check on the rules laid down by the Norwegian Authority before you send your goods.

There are a few items that are a no-go with our services due to these restrictions:

• 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, visit GOV.UK.