How to export goods from the UK

Use this handy export guide to help you figure out how to export goods from England, Wales or Scotland to a country outside of the UK, or from Northern Ireland to a country outside of the UK and the EU:

1. Check the duties and customer procedures for exporting your goods.

2. Apply for export licenses requires to export your goods.

3. Ensure your business is ready to export from the UK.

4. Check whether the receiver of your goods is able to import them.

5. Make an export declaration.

6. Organise transport and get your goods across the UK border.

7. Get your goods released at the UK border.

8. Consider using an expert customs broker to help you with the exporting process.

Step 1: Check the duties and customs procedures for exporting your goods

Firstly, you will need to find out what the customs process at the destination country for your goods is. This includes:

• Rules and restrictions
• Tax and duty rates
• Export documentation

To do this, you will need to know what materials your product is made from to find out what export documentation and duties apply.

Step 2: Apply for export licenses required to export your goods

Specific rules apply when exporting certain goods, e.g. medical devices, military goods and chemicals. It is important to check whether you need to apply for any relevant licences or certificates relating to the goods you are exporting.

Step 3: Ensure your business is ready to export from the UK

To export from the UK you will need to set up an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. An EORI number is used to identify businesses during customs procedures when exchanging information with different customs administrations.

To get an EORI number, your business usually needs to have premises based in the country you want to import to or export from. Your premises must be either:

• A registered office
• A central headquarters
• A permanent business establishment

If you are exporting plants, plant products or controlled goods, you will also need to register with eDomero (plants or plant products) or SPIRE (controlled goods).

Step 4: Check whether the receiver of your goods is able to import them

The business or person receiving your exported goods may need to:

• Make an import declaration in their country.
• Have certain licenses or certificates that allow them to receive exports from the UK.

It is important to check what documentation will need to be completed to enable your goods to be imported at your destination to avoid unnecessary delays, issues and costs.

Step 5: Make an export declaration

If your business is established in Great Britain, you can make an export declaration yourself by following these steps:

• Set up an EORI number as mentioned in step 3.
• Get access to the CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) system. This system records the movement of goods whilst automatically checking for errors.
• Buy software that can submit export declarations, or be registered for the NES (National Export System). The NES is connected to the CHIEF system and allows exporters to log an export entry with customs before their goods leave the UK.
• Make a full export declaration, ensuring all parts are correctly filled out.
• Make a separate exit summary declaration if this is not included in your export declaration.

Please note that after 31st March 2023, all export declarations must be submitted through the new CDS system which has been created to replace the CHIEF system. Find out more about the switch to the new CDS system and learn how to register for an account.

If your business is not established in Great Britain you must get someone to make the export declaration for you in their own name as an indirect representative.

Your export declaration will need to include:

• Customs Procedure Code (CPC). This is an HMRC code that describes the purpose of your shipment. The code is used to determine how your goods will be processed and how any duties and taxes will be collected.
• Commodity Code. This is a number allocated to goods to classify them for import. This code determines your duty rating and alerts you to any restrictions.
• Your Declaration Unique Consignment Reference number (DUCR). This is the main reference number that links export declarations.
• The  consignor and consignee.
• A description of the goods, including type, amount and packaging.
• Customs offices of departure and destination.
• Departure point and destination.
• Transport methods and costs.
• Currencies and valuation methods.
• Any relevant certificates and licences.

Making an export declaration can be complicated and time consuming so many businesses use a third party exporter, like Stadium Export Services, to handle the customs process for them. Get in touch to find out how we can help.

Step 6: Organise transport and get your goods across the UK border

You will need to ensure the export goods are transported to the port or UK border location stated in your export declaration.

At the border, you will need:

• The master reference number (from the export declaration)
• The invoice
• Any export licences or certificates needed

Customs staff may also check the goods before allowing them to cross the border.

Step 7: Get your goods released at the UK border

Your goods may be held up at the UK border for a number of reasons, including:

• If you do not have the correct licenses and certifications relating to the goods or your business.
• If your goods do not pass the customs inspection.
• If your goods have been combined with a shipment that has been held up for any reason.

If this happens, you will be notified by the National Clearance Hub with the reasons for the delay and what to do next.

Visit the Government website to find out more detailed information about how to export.

Step 8: Consider using an expert customs broker to help you with the exporting process

The exporting process can be complicated and time consuming. It may be more cost effective and efficient to use an expert customs broker who will take the stress out of the process by handling all freight forwarding logistics, as well as ensuring that your goods are processed and released by customs as quickly as possible. They will also assist with all necessary documentation, duties, taxes and payments, ensuring costly mistakes are avoided.

If you are looking to export from the UK and would like to find out how we can take the hassle out of the exporting process, then get in touch with one of our team members today who will be happy to help.