In this article

Articles in this section

See more

Brexit FAQ

Team Sendcloud
  • Updated

Purpose: This article is a list of frequently asked questions about Brexit that we have received. If you need more information on BREXIT please refer to Governments advice for Brexit transition: new rules for 2021

Brexit First Aid Kit

Please note: If the Brexit agreement does not get accepted by EU-ministers and there is no extension granted, the UK will be a customs destination from Thursday onwards. Parcels already in transit running past Thursday maybe returned. These circumstances are still unknown.

How to get a GB EORI? How long does it take to get one?

Starting 1 January 2021 you are required to have an EORI number to move goods between Great Britain and the EU.

Click here to apply for an EORI number. An EORI number is required for an EU country if your business will be making declarations or getting a customs decision in the EU. You will need to get this from the customs authority in the EU country where you submit your first declaration or request your first decision.

If I already have an EU EORI do I need a GB EORI?

In the case that you already have obtained an EORI number starting with GB, you need to apply for an EORI number that starts with XI if you have not already received one from HMRC in the post. After applying you should get your EORI number that starts with XI within 4 working days.

Do I have to declare VAT in the UK if I have a GB EORI?

As of 1 January, 2021, shippers selling goods priced at or below £135 into the UK will be liable for paying UK VAT for these shipments.

The VAT amount should be collected at the point of sale and paid to HMRC through the UK VAT registration.

For goods sold into the UK valued above £135, the merchant will remain liable for paying the UK VAT. This can be paid by the merchant via through the customs declaration or postponed VAT accounting.

If your UK business is importing on its own name into the EU, you need to be VAT registered in the EU. It's recommended to do this in the country of clearance.

What's the difference between an EORI number and a VAT number?

An EORI number is not the same as a VAT number. However, if you're VAT registered, they are linked. When you apply for an EORI number as a VAT registered business HMRC will link all your imports to your VAT number. 

How will tariffs be affected by brexit?

The European Union and the United Kindom have reached an agreement to introduce trusted trader schemes and self-verification systems to reduce the impact of the hard customs and regulatory border that will apply to all parts of the United Kingdom except Northern Ireland from January 1st.
Please note: Import tariffs that apply from 1 January 2021 may change. Check you have up to date information before importing so you can pay the correct duties and rates. To find out more please refer to the official tariff checks webpage.

How do I ship to Northern Ireland? Do I need an additional EORI?

Starting the 1 January 2021 you'll need an EORI number that starts with XI to move goods between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries.

Please note: Land shipping whereby the first entry point is England you are required to have GB EORI. Air shipping requires an EU EORI.

For which destinations do I need the GB EORI?

Starting the 1 January 2021 you will need one to move goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Isle of Man, and the EU. You may also need a separate EORI number if you move goods to or from Northern Ireland.

Where do I add my GB EORI on Sendcloud?

To add your EORI number to your account, go to Settings > Addresses > Sender address and select or create the correct sender address. Add the numbers in the appropriate field, and save the address.

You can visit this article for an in-depth guide to adding VAT and EORI numbers to your account.

Are incoterms changing? If yes, how is Sendcloud going to invoice this to me?

When the UK leaves the EU it will become a third country. This means that there will be an extra administrative burden on those who trade between the EU and the UK. Import and export declarations will have to be completed for all shipments, and duties may have to be paid. 

Use Delivery Duty Paid for small orders since retailers will be responsible for VAT payment from 2021 onwards. Please fill in a  DDP customs forms for orders below £135. 

Please note: Under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterm rules, the seller assumes all responsibilities and costs for delivering the goods to the named place of destination.

Will I have to pay any customs fees or taxes? Or who pays?

After Brexit, your shipments to the UK will become dutiable. This will naturally also apply when your customers return the shipment. As the shipper, you will then charge the duties and VAT. Offering an all-in price will prevent surprises for your webshop-customer, optimizing their online purchase and shipping experience.

What products require GB VAT and GB EORI numbers?

Please include GB VAT and GB EORI on all packages regardless of the product type. This adheres to the guidelines set by carriers.  

How can customers create a return? 

In the case of returns from the UK create a label "Unstamped letter" containing your customer's details. Your customers will have to pay directly for the shipping costs at Royal Mail or at the courier's office of your/their choice. For refund purposes, we recommend asking your customers for a photo of the payslip + tracking number before doing any refunds since "Unstamped letter" cannot be traced.

Related articles