How do I export products out of the UK to the EU

In 2022, UK goods exports to the EU totalled £196.6bn, the year trade recovered to its pre-Brexit levels. After years of uncertainty, its hoped businesses are set for a prolonged period of stability in trading regulations, courtesy of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

That being said, the process of exporting goods from the UK to the EU isn’t as simple as previously, now that goods are moving into a different customs union. Businesses have many additional obligations to ensure are transported smoothly. This page contains guidance on ensuring a succinct logistical process when sending products into the European Union.

01

Get your UK EORI number

(EU EORI if selling on DDP incoterms*).

02

Check any extra certification or licences

03

Understand VAT rules for both GB exporter and EU importer

Exports are zero rated for VAT. Intrastat remains.

04

Comply with regulations

in areas such as food labelling CE marking and reach regulations for chemicals.

05

Will you use a customs intermediary or make your own declarations?

06

Ask if any customs special procedures and authorisations apply

Consider transit procedures.

07

Check EU common external tariff

Re what duties or quotas apply against your product.

08

Work closely with all stakeholders

including EU buyer and freight forwarder.

09

Ensure EU importer has all necessary information

EORI number, export declarations and any additional licences & clarification.

10

Consider impacts for rest of world trade and rules of origin

Documentation

To export from the UK to the EU, you will need to complete a wide range of different documents. Submission of your export paperwork needs to be done at least 24hrs in advance and you need to be in receipt of the “Permission to proceed” (P2P). All export information needs to be submitted electronically.

The relevant documents cover export and customs and if your goods are being trucked over to Europe, the driver will need to have all the necessary customs documentation to allow them to cross international borders.

The relevant documents may be:

Commercial invoice

Certificates of origin

Licences and certificates

Such as for food or plants.

The Export or Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) issued by customs

Brexit Changes

The UK has left the EU Customs Union. As a result, VAT on exported goods now works differently.

The UK no longer has to comply with the EU's minimum VAT rate of 15 per cent. However, since the UK's VAT rate sits at 20 per cent, nothing is likely to change in this regard.

As Brexit continues to have an impact on exports, WTA UK will continue to provide as much information as possible to make the process more transparent for those looking to export from the UK. For more information about Brexit and its impact on exports, click here to explore WTA’s Brexit knowledge base.

If you need help understanding the confusing jargon surrounding imports and experts, we have a helpful ‘Jargon Buster’ to help you understand the important terms quickly.

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