Navigating Brexit - The Basics

With Brexit a forefront issue for many businesses, we compiled key information and tips to help combat the confusion over new customs and border procedures.

EORI number

What is it? An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a registration and identification number for businesses which undertake the import or export of goods into or out of the EU and GB.

Why do I need one? Any trader who imports or exports goods into or out of the EU will need an EORI number. This number is valid throughout the EU and is used as a common reference number for interactions with the customs authorities in any Member State. It helps ease the flow of goods at border points which is crucial for businesses to continue to trade and grow in lieu of Brexit.

You can register for an EORI number here:

• Ireland
• UK
• EU
• Alternatively, you may have had your EORI number aligned to your existing Value Added Tax (VAT) number. You can check here
  

Invoice Checklist

Our ‘Invoice Checklist’ summarises the information required to successfully complete an invoice. The invoice is your communication with customs and is based on the boxes that are filled in on customs entry.

If the operator cannot find the information they require for the entry on the invoice, you run the risk of delays as your shipment is put aside for manual intervention.

1. Invoice number & Date of issue
2. Shipper EORI number (verified) & vat number
3. Consignee EORI Number (verified) & VAT number
4. Exporter data (complete with company name and full address)
5. Consignee Data (complete with company name and full address)
6. INCOTerms 2020 (followed by name and place)
7. PO number
8. Part number and description of goods
9. 10 digit tariff code
10. Quantity
11. Line items value
12. Invoice total value
13. Currency
14. Country of manufacture for each part
15. Net weight per item
16. Gross weight of shipment

As the UK became a third country to the EU on January 1^st 2021, all Wood Packaging Material (WPM) crossing the UK border will need to be ISPM15 compliant.

You must ensure that all wood pallets/packing are marked with the ISPM15 IPPC mark (shown in image) to show they are compliant with standards. If not, they are at risk of refusal at point of entry.

WPM and ISPM15

What is WPM? WPM is a term used to describe pallets, crates, etc. used in international transport of goods of all kinds.

What is an ISPM15? ISPM is an international phytosanitary (plant health) measure that sets down standards for WPM. The aim is to prevent the international movement and spread of disease and insects harmful to the health of plants, trees, forests, or ecosystems.

Understanding an ISMP15 Mark (refer to image in gallery for example):

1. Unique registered number: This is the code of the producer or of the company providing the treatments. It references region and license number.
2. IPPC Logo / spike: This consists of the logo with the diagonal lines to the left and the ‘IPPC’ letters.
3. Border: The ISPM15 mark border may be rectangular or square in shape. It must be contained within a border with a vertical line separating the IPPC logo (number 3) from the other components.
4. Country code: The country where the pallet was treated (codes differ according to country).
5. Heat Treated symbol (HT): The method how the pallet has been treated.
   

INCOTERMs 2020

What are they? INCOTERMs 2020 are international standardised terms which are used in contracts for the sale and transit of goods.

Why is it important? They define the basic responsibilities of the parties for the goods at each point during the transit process from the seller’s premises to the buyer’s premises.

Why are they relevant for Brexit? INCOTERMs will determine who is responsible for VAT & Duty so make sure you are familiar. It is important that all companies are aware of the potential impact and extra cost that an INCOTERMs may have on their business before agreeing terms with their supplier or buyer.

There are four groups of Incoterms:

• Group C - Pick-Up/Departure Clause with main carriage paid: The seller concludes a transport contract with the forwarder and takes the costs. In this case, the seller is responsible for conducting export clearance. The risk is transferred at the time of posting the goods to the buyer. All matters arising after loading costs related to transporting, and other events, are the buyer’s responsibility. Group C includes the following Incoterms: CFR, CIF, CPT, and CIP.
• Group D - Arrival/Destination Clause: Group D (Arrival) assumes that the seller is obliged to deliver the goods to a specific place or the port of destination. This group includes Incoterms: DAP, DPU, and DDP.
• Group E - Pick-Up/Departure Clause: In group E (Departure), the seller makes the goods available to the buyer at the delivery point indicated by the seller. The seller is not obliged either to customs or export clearance and does not bear the risk and costs of loading. In group E, there is only Incoterms EXW.
• Group F - Pick-Up/Departure Clause with main carriage unpaid: Group F obliges the seller to perform export customs clearance. The seller does not pay transport and insurance costs. FCA, FAS, and FOB belong to this group.

IMPORTANT: Incoterms do not regulate when and where the ownership of goods changes nor payment terms or the place of jurisdiction.We hope our 'Navigating Brexit' series helped to provide you with the basic knowledge your business will need to continue operations. If you have any questions or need any support to determine the best route forward, feel free to reach out