Should the UK leave the EU with a no-deal outcome and therefore no agreement in place with the EU, businesses that move goods in or out of the UK will need to apply the same processes and procedures to EU trading that are currently in place when trading with the rest of the world.
What do I need to do?
The first step in preventing a no-deal Brexit affecting your day to day movement of goods in and out of the EU is to apply for an EORI number. An EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) can be obtained by any business established in the UK and who will import or export goods with the EU from 11pm on 29 March 2019.
Timescales
It usually takes approximately three days for HMRC to process an application for an EORI number. Following which, the EORI number will be emailed to the email address provided within the application.
What information is required in order to apply?
If your business is VAT registered all you will need is your VAT number and the name under which the business is registered for VAT. You will also need to complete an Application for Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) form.
If you are not VAT registered you will need to complete an Application for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number – Imports formtogether with the following:
- An email address;
- Your Company registration number;
- Your Company incorporation date
- Details of the Country of Incorporation
If you are not sure whether you may already have an EORI number then you can use the EU EORI validation checker here.
How does it help me?
Having an EORI number allows you to:
- trade goods into or out of the UK
- submit declarations using software (or to give to your agent to make these declarations on your behalf)
- apply to be authorised for customs simplifications and procedures
If you have any questions or concerns about trading goods with the EU after Brexit, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
