From 1st January 2021, full import controls and subsequently full customs declarations will be required on all goods crossing the borders between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

To avoid any unnecessary delays, disruptions at the border, or hampered deliveries, Kuehne+Nagel has been closely monitoring and adopting latest regulatory changes. As a result, we offer expert guidance and customs services – so your freight keeps on moving.

The UK formally left the EU on 31st January 2020. Regardless of the outcome of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations, customs procedures will become compulsory when the transition period ends on 31st December 2020, possibly creating an environment which is five times the current demand in formalities.

To simplify customs procedures, the UK government has introduced a "staged approach" for imports into the UK. UK importers will have the opportunity to enter non-controlled goods under the so-called Customs Freight Simplified Procedure (CFSP), which offsets the need for a full frontier declaration until 30th June 2021. Also, traders will be able to utilize the postponed VAT mechanism, where import VAT only has to be accounted for, but not paid at the time of entry into the UK.

This situation is calling for a proper preparation to avoid goods being delayed.