Photo credits @ Wikimedia Commons

EU will definitely impose customs on goods from the UK from 1 January

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„Customs formalities required under Union law will apply to all goods entering the customs territory of the Union from the United Kingdom, or leaving that customs territory to the United Kingdom” from 1st January 2021 – the EU has confirmed in an official document. What’s more, UK EORI numbers won’t be valid in the EU.

In the middle of June, the UK withdrew its plans for full border checks on goods arriving from the European Union from January 2021. Instead of full checks, the government will introduce a temporary light-touch regime at UK ports such as Dover for incoming EU goods.

However, the European Union has a different approach to border checks: all customs formalities will apply to goods entering or leaving the UK from day 1, according to a communication published by the European Commission.

This will happen even if an ambitious free trade area is established with the United Kingdom, providing for zero tariffs and zero quotas on goods, with customs and regulatory cooperation” – can be read in the document.

UK EORI numbers won’t work in the UK

The paper also states, that as of 1 January 2021, EU businesses wishing to import from or export to the United Kingdom will need to ensure they have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number in order to go through customs formalities. Also, EORI numbers issued by the United Kingdom will no longer be valid in the Union. Businesses based in the United Kingdom wishing to import into the Union will need to receive an EU EORI number, or appoint a Union customs representative where applicable.

Furthermore, as of 1 January 2021, Authorised Economic Operators authorisations or other authorisations issued by the United Kingdom will cease to be valid in the Union. Where the economic operators wish to obtain EU authorisations, they need to apply for them in an EU Member State” – the document adds.

>>> Download the communication HERE <<<

British hauliers don’t know what forms they will need

The British Road Haulage Association urges the government to clarify how businesses are expected to be run from January 2021.

Firms still don’t know what forms will be required, how they should be completed, who should complete which forms, or where they will need to be sent – RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said. -„This is vital information that firms need to have as soon as possible, and should already have received if they’re to have enough time to prepare for the new trading arrangements with the EU.”

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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