Mail Boxes Etc. UK & Ireland's blog


Need help to Brexit-proof your exports and imports?


Don’t panic – we’ve got this!

Now that we’ve left the EU, if yours is one of the 200,000 UK businesses that currently trade with Europe, you might be wondering how to Brexit-proof your imports and exports. We’ve put together a quick checklist that should help.

Go with the flow

If you’re concerned about getting your products to customers throughout the EU, we can help keep things moving quickly.

For example, the new regulations have created delays for freight at Dover, and this has affected any packages shipped via road services into Europe. To avoid the chance that your shipments might be caught up in these delays, we can arrange for your goods to be shipped by air. Until everything is smoothed out as regards road freight, the extra cost will be worth it for your peace of mind and to ensure you continue to meet your obligations to your customers.

It goes without saying that we will also ensure your consignments are supported by the correct paperwork to ensure smooth transit through to their destination.

Watch out for EORI

Do you have an EORI number yet? We’re not talking about the donkey in Winnie-the-Pooh – if you are selling into the EU, you need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. You can apply for a ‘GB’ EORI number online*. It can take up to a week for HMRC to process, so take action now.

Know your codes & country of origin

Commodity codes, harmonisation codes, tariff codes – what are they? These are the codes allocated to describe the goods you sell overseas. Why do you need them? Because these codes, coupled with an accurate description and value, ensure that Customs are aware of what is being shipped and can automatically calculate any tariffs or charges applicable to your goods as they cross the border with the EU, or any other international destination. Using the right codes will minimise the risk of delay. And don’t forget to detail the correct country of origin of the goods, in case this differs from the country of export/import.

Get expert help

We’ve outlined the basic steps you’ll need to take to prepare your business and protect your supply chains. But perhaps one of the easiest and smartest of these is to work with an expert agent who can steer you through the complexity and deal with customs for your international shipments.

At Mail Boxes Etc. we’re your local shipping experts, and we’ve got Brexit covered. We understand customs, duties and taxes, harmonised/commodity codes and country-specific regulations. We’ll keep your goods moving seamlessly across borders by cutting through the challenges of importing and exporting in a post-Brexit world.

Contact us to find out how we can take the headache out of ensuring your business is Brexit-proof.

* EEA (European Economic Area): Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Links provided for guidance only. Mail Boxes Etc. accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided by third-party websites.


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