Parcel deliveries entering the EU and Northern Ireland a guide to help members

[Mickyboy]

I’ve been looking at the rules on parcels entering the EU and Northern Ireland and compiled a guide below hopefully will help people understand there are various rules and changes taking place I’ve listed them below as a brief guide to help members understand the process, I thought it would be especially helpful for members in Northern Ireland and members overseas.

1 How will brexit affect booking a parcel delivery

If you are sending goods to the EU, you will be required to complete a ‘Customs Details’ form before finalising your booking. The information provided in the form will be used to generate your Commercial Invoice.
Once booked, you will need to attach your Commercial invoice to your order. This will be provided by your courier along with your labels.
You will now also have to include HS Code information. To help users, suggested HS codes will appear on-screen automatically. These suggestions will be based on the description of the goods you entered.
Alternatively, you can manually search for the correct HS code within the booking process

2 How will VAT be affected by brexit

Prior to January 1st 2021, Customers sending parcels to EU from the UK would need to pay 20% VAT on all transactions.
From January 1st 2021, Customers will no longer be required to pay VAT on their transactions for parcels going to the EU.
The new rules also apply from parcels being shipped from the EU to the UK.

3 What do I need to know about trade tariff codes, such as HS/commodity codes

Tariff codes, such as the Harmonised System (HS), are used in international trade to identify goods.
From December 22nd, HS codes will be required for all parcels being shipped to the EU from the UK.
This change will require customers to complete an additional, straightforward step in the order process.

3 Will the rules regarding custom clearance be changing after the 1st of January 2021

Yes. Goods now passing from the UK to the EU (and vice versa) will be treated as imports and exports.
As such, specific documentation will need to be provided alongside goods to clear custom borders.
These documents will be provided by the courier

4 Will there be additional taxes and duties to pay

Yes. Goods entering the UK will be charged Import VAT and Import Duty.
Goods leaving the UK for the EU will be charged Import Duty & Import VAT at EU-set rates.
The recipient will be liable for these.

5 Will parcel deliveries be delayed at customs borders

In the early days, post January 1st 2021, it is highly likely that there will be long delays at all UK ports, as both sides adjust to the paperwork requirements.

6 how will Brexit affect sending a parcel from mainland UK to Northern Ireland

From January 1st 2021, customers sending parcels to Northern Ireland from Mainland UK will still be required to pay 20% VAT on all transactions.
Goods passing from Mainland UK to Northern Ireland will be treated as exports and will be liable for duties and taxes. The recipient will be liable for paying these.
Specific documentation will need to be provided to clear customs borders, which will be provided by the courier.
Tariff Codes such as Harmonised System (HS) or Commodity Codes will be required to help custom officials identify goods when going over the border. Within the ordering process you will now need to complete an additional straightforward step.

7 Will sending parcels from Northern Ireland to mainland UK be affected by Brexit
The simple answer is No

I hope this helps some people out.
Mick