What do you need to know about shipping internationally after Brexit? 

Posted 28th January, 2020

31st January 2020 – the day Britain leaves the EU. There are going to be many changes to be aware of, but if your company deals or ships internationally, you need to be familiar with the new regulations that have come into place. If you have been on a motorway recently, you will have seen the signs advertising the fact that the regulations regarding shipping internationally will be changing. In this article, we will discuss the new guidelines that you will need to follow when shipping internationally after Brexit. 

New Documents Needed After Brexit

It is uncertain whether the UK will leave the EU with or without a Brexit deal. However, the government is currently offering advice and guidelines for a no-deal Brexit. Below is a list of documents that hauliers and commercial drivers will now need to operate in the EU. 

Driver Documents

• International Driving Permit in some countries (France, Italy and Cyprus)
• Passport with at least 6 months left on the expiry date
• ECMT permit for some journeys
• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
• Tachograph Driver Card

Vehicle Documents

• Motor Insurance Green Card – this is proof that your insurance covers you for driving abroad.
• Vehicle log book

You will also need to display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle and trailer, even if you have a number plate has the Euro symbol or a Great Britain national identifier. This does not apply if you’re travelling to Ireland from the UK.

Customs and Cargo Documents

Your business will need different documents depending on the cargo that is being carried. You should request these from your exporter. Additional documents will be needed if you are carrying high-risk goods or animal/plant/other controlled products. You should pay attention to local customs processes for France, Holland, Spain and Belgium. 

View the full details list from the government here.

Cross-border responsibilities when moving goods

A driver must not attempt to cross the UK-EU borders in either direction without all of the required customs paperwork. It’s the trader’s responsibility to make sure the relevant documentation is given to the haulier or driver. For a smooth border transition, it is vital that the driver is clear about which documentation will be needed when and where, and how they will be presented and checked.  

The EU has agreed that for a transitional period, UK hauliers will be able to continue using their current licences to do journeys to and from the EU. This will apply until 31 July 2020.

What do our customers need to know about Brexit regulations?

At Station Couriers, we have spent the past several months researching the new regulations for when Brexit happens. If you are unsure, our team will be able to talk you through the new process and help you prepare your goods for international shipping. 

To ship any goods internationally, you will now need the following:

• EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number)
• The Product 8-10 digit customs commodity code
• Accurate and detailed product description for customs entry
• Contact information for the customer
• Consignment value and reason for exporting (e.g. sale, gift, sample)

For the full list of guidance issued by the UK government, please click here.

Station Couriers offer a wide range of international delivery services from Worldwide Air and Sea Freight to European Road Freight. Find out more here.

This article was last updated on 28th January 2020.

Sources: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hauliers-and-commercial-drivers-you-will-need-new-documents-to-transport-goods-into-the-eu-after-brexit

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transporting-goods-between-the-uk-and-eu-in-a-no-deal-brexit-guidance-for-hauliers