UK’s New Import Rules for European Sellers

Selling products to the UK is a great opportunity for European e-commerce businesses, but with new safety and security regulations on imports and exports in place, there are some extra steps to follow. If you’re shipping goods to the UK, you’ll need to understand what’s changed, what’s required of you, and how to stay compliant. 

What’s changed?

As part of the UK’s post-Brexit trade framework, new safety and security requirements for imports and exports have been introduced. These measures help ensure smooth cross-border trade while protecting the UK’s supply chain. The key change is the requirement for an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for goods arriving in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). This applies to goods moved by road, rail, air, or sea.

An Entry Summary Declaration is a document that provides details about the goods being transported before they enter the UK. Think of it as a way to keep everyone in the supply chain informed and ensure nothing gets held up at the border.

What do you need to do?

If you’re shipping products to the UK, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Register to submit an ENS

First, you’ll need to register to make an Entry Summary Declaration in Great Britain. This step is essential, as it allows you to access the necessary systems for submitting declarations. You can complete your registration on the UK government’s official website here.

When registering, make sure you have all your business details and any required documentation ready. It’s a straightforward process, but it’s best to get started early to avoid delays.

2. Prepare the required information

To complete an ENS, you’ll need specific details about your shipment, including:

  • A description of the goods being transported

  • The transport route and mode (road, sea, air, or rail)

  • Information about the sender, carrier, and recipient

For example, let’s say you’re shipping a batch of leather handbags by sea from Italy to a retailer in London. You’ll need to include the product description (leather handbags), the shipping route (Italy to the UK), and the details of all parties involved (your business, the shipping company, and the retailer).

Having all this information organized ahead of time will save you headaches later.

3. Submit your ENS declaration

Once you’re registered and have your details ready, it’s time to submit your declaration. The process is done electronically through the UK’s systems. You can find step-by-step guidance on how to submit your ENS here.

Timing is crucial! The declaration must be submitted within a specific timeframe before the goods arrive in Great Britain. For example, goods transported by sea usually require submission at least 24 hours before arrival.

When do these rules apply?

The updated requirements are already in effect, so it’s important to ensure you’re compliant right away. If you’re just getting started or have been shipping to the UK for a while but haven’t made these updates, now is the time to act.

Why should you care?

Staying compliant with UK import and export rules isn’t just about avoiding fines or delays (although that’s important too). It’s about keeping your customers happy by ensuring their orders arrive on time. Plus, demonstrating that you’re a reliable, professional seller builds trust and loyalty with your UK buyers.

Final tips for smooth shipping

  1. Plan ahead: Gather all necessary details about your shipments well in advance.

  2. Stay updated: Regulations can change, so keep an eye on official announcements.

  3. Ask for help: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult the UK government’s guidance or seek advice from a customs expert.

Need help with VAT or EPR compliance, or both? Then Staxxer is here to help*. Schedule a all below to talk to one of our experts.

 

*Please note that we do not assist with customs duties or imports, as this is not our area of expertise.

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Renée van Dal

Renée is Staxxer’s content marketer, with several years of experience writing blogs about VAT, EPR, and related topics. Over time, she’s developed a knack for breaking down complex subjects into simple, easy-to-understand content.