With the end of free movement of goods between the United Kingdom and the European Union after Brexit, new customs procedures, duties, and documentation requirements have been introduced. At Store it Send it, we solve these challenges by offering dependable fulfillment and international shipping services between the UK and EU. In this guide, you will learn:
- The key differences in export and import processes
- The essential documentation you need
- Step-by-step instructions for shipping from the UK to the EU and from the EU to the UK
- Tips to save time and reduce costs
1. Understand the Customs Changes Post-Brexit
Since the UK left the Single Market, your shipments are no longer duty-free. Now you must:
- Declare your goods at both export and import customs.
- Pay duties and VAT based on product type and value.
- Present specific documents at each border.
Failure to comply can result in delays, fines, or even shipment refusal.
2. Essential Documentation
Before you prepare your shipment, make sure you have:
- Commercial Invoice with a detailed description and value of the goods.
- Packing List so authorities know the exact contents of each pallet or box.
- EORI Number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) for both UK and EU customs.
- Certificates of Origin or Phytosanitary Certificates, if your goods require them (e.g., food, textiles, electronics).
3. Step-by-Step: Shipping from the UK to the European Union
- Obtain your UK EORI if you don’t already have one (free and quick).
- Prepare your Commercial Invoice and Packing List with accurate details.
- Schedule a pickup with Store it Send it—either from your warehouse or chosen origin point.
- We validate your documents and file your export declaration in the CHIEF or CDS system (UK).
- Transit and transport: we coordinate ground transport to the EU border.
- EU import clearance: we file the Single Administrative Document (SAD), pay VAT and duties.
- Final delivery to your recipient anywhere in the EU.
4. Step-by-Step: Shipping from the EU to the UK
The process is similar, but customs roles are reversed:
- EU EORI and registration in your local customs system.
- Export documents (Commercial Invoice, Packing List).
- Pickup from your EU warehouse or fulfillment center.
- File the export declaration with your local customs authority.
- Transit to the UK border.
- UK import clearance: file the import declaration, pay UK VAT and duties.
- Final delivery to your UK customer.
5. Tips to Optimize Costs and Transit Times
- Consolidate shipments: grouping smaller orders reduces transport and duty costs.
- Choose the right Incoterms: FCA, DAP, or DDP affect who pays duties and VAT.
- Automate your documentation: our systems integrate with your ERP to generate invoices and declarations instantly.
- Plan ahead: local holidays or border closures can add extra days to transit.
6. Why Choose Store it Send it?
- Brexit expertise: years of experience handling UK–EU shipments.
- Real-time visibility: end-to-end tracking from pickup to delivery.
- Dedicated account management: a specialist who understands your business.
- Competitive rates: we optimize routes and carriers to save you money.
Need a custom quote or have questions?
Contact us and let Store it Send it make your UK-EU shipping as seamless as before Brexit.