Importing goods into the UK

International trade is a crucial part of commerce and trade. However, there are several things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to importing into the UK.

In this article, we’ll look at the things you need to keep in mind when importing into the UK from within the EU and outside the EU. We’ll also take a look at how to save money when making international payments to suppliers with Wise Business.

What to keep in mind when importing from within the EU?

When importing from the EU into the UK, there are several things to keep in mind. You should also note that Brexit is changing the way and procedures of importing goods into the UK from the EU.¹

Here are the major things that you need to be aware of:

• Importing Businesses have to get an EORI Number: The Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) Number is a must-have for businesses that want to continue importing goods into the UK after 1 January 2021. This 12-digit EORI will start with GB and will allow easy movement of goods into the UK from within the EU. You find out the documents needed to apply for an EORI Number here.

• You must make import declarations: To import any goods into the UK, import declaration of the goods must be made. You can make import declarations by yourself or use a third-party agent. Freight forwarders, brokers/custom agents, and fast parcel operators are some agents that handle import declarations for you.

• Check the tax and duty rates to be paid: For every goods imported, you’ll have to pay VAT and custom duties. In the event of a no-deal exit by the UK, the custom duty tariffs for imports from the EU, and the rest of the world will be changed. According to reports, temporary rates will be applicable for about 12 months before a more permanent regime is introduced by the government. Use our import duty calculator to calculate the expected duty that might accure when bringing goods into the UK.

• Get the appropriate license for the goods to be imported: Depending on the kinds of goods that are being moved into the UK, a special certificate or license might be required. You might even need to pay an inspection fee. You can check if you’ll need a license for your goods here.

What to keep in mind when importing from outside of the EU?

If you are importing goods into the UK from outside the EU, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind.²

• Register your business for importing: To start importing goods from outside the EU, your business needs to be registered. You’ll need to get an EORI number and also register for VAT.

• Decide how you’ll make customs declarations and transport the goods: To import goods from outside the EU to the UK, you need to make customs declarations and set up a system of transportation. You can do that by yourself, or hire a third party to take care of that for you. Customs agents, freight forwarders, and brokers can help with declaring your goods at customs.

• Find out which class your goods fall under: The class that your goods fall under will tell the rate of duty that you need to pay, and if you need an import license. Your courier or customs broker can easily help with this. You can find out the right commodity code for your goods here

What do I need to start importing into the UK?

If you want to start importing into the UK, these are the list of things that you need.

• You need to get an EORI Number for your business if you don’t have one already. It takes about 5 working days to get it.
• You also need to get the community code for any good that you're importing. This code will tell you how much duty you'll need to pay, and if you need an import license or not.
• Your imports need to be declared to customs. Most times, it's easier to hire a third party to handle import declaration and other logistical issues. Freight forwarders and customs agents are an example of third parties that help with import declaration.
• You'll also need to pay VAT and duties on your goods. To do this, you'll need to work out the value of your goods. Check this page for more information on how to do that.

For restricted goods, you might need to get an import license.

How to Save money when importing into the UK

It might look overwhelming, but to import into the UK, you just need to pay attention to the things that we've listed above.

Another thing that you should pay attention to is paying for the goods themselves. If you use a regular bank transfer to pay your overseas suppliers, you'll incur some extra fees. In addition, your bank might not give you the best exchange rate.

These extra fees are frustrating – but can be avoided with a little research. Other service providers, especially Wise Business , turn out to be cheaper than UK high street banks.

When you make an international payment via Wise, you will get the real, mid-market exchange rate; the one shown on Google – and you will only pay a small upfront fee for the transfer.

Wise is tightly regulated, and with over 3 million customers and growing, you can be sure that their service is excellent.

Additional benefits are:

• Multiple payments to different suppliers in one go using the batch payment tool
• USD global - pay overseas contractors and suppliers in USD
• Multi-currency account - hold, send and receive funds in one account
• Linkable to accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks
• Automated batch payments through open API to save you time and streamline the process.

Start saving today with Wise