Reminder of eight-step export routine

Following the end of the Brexit transition period, the process for exporting goods to the EU mirrors the process for all other international destinations.

Businesses, especially those that only trade with EU should by now be aware of the rules and be working accordingly. Businesses can make customs declarations themselves or hire a third party such as a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent to do the paperwork.

HMRC lists the following eight-steps that should be considered when exporting goods:

1. Check if you need to follow this process. The process listed below should be if you’re moving goods permanently from: England, Wales or Scotland (Great Britain) to a country outside the UK or from Northern Ireland to a country outside the UK and the EU. There are different rules for goods that move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland or between Northern Ireland and the EU.
2. Check the rules for exporting your goods.
3. Get your business ready to export. This includes ensuring you have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
4. Decide who will make export declarations and transport the goods
5. Classify your goods.
6. Prepare the invoice and other documentation for your goods.
7. Get your goods through customs.
8. Keep invoices and records.