In today’s eBay UK Autumn Seller Release, eBay have given some guidance on Brexit preparations for UK business sellers with EU customers.
Recognising that there is increased likelihood the UK will leave the European Union (EU) on 31 October 2019 (although perhaps somewhat less after last night and today’s Parliamentary sessions) there are some steps you can take to prepare. Unless a withdrawal agreement is approved or a decision is made to postpone it, the UK will leave on a so-called ‘no deal’ basis. This will have various implications for businesses exporting and importing goods to and from the UK. For businesses that sell to the EU, there will be immediate changes.
Brexit preparations
eBay recommend that you review HMRC’s notice to VAT-registered businesses that trade with the EU. HMRC detail 3 actions to help you prepare for a ‘no deal’ withdrawal:
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Register for a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
An EORI number (which you can get here) will be needed to import or export goods to and from the EU. It will also be needed to apply for authorisations to make exporting easier. If you are already UK VAT registered, HMRC will automatically allocate an EORI number to you. However, businesses that are not UK VAT registered will still need to apply for one.
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Decide whether to hire an agent to make import and/or export declarations
You may wish to select an agent to make import and/or export declarations for you or to make these declarations yourself (by buying software that interacts with HMRC’s systems).
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Find out if you need to supply additional information to your courier
Find out if you need to supply additional information to the company that moves your goods (e.g. a haulage firm) so they can make the safety and security declarations for your goods, or if you’ll need to submit these declarations yourself.
Consider using eBay’s Global Shipping Programme (GSP)
If you only list on eBay UK, using the eBay Global Shipping Programme makes shipping to Europe their problem and protects your feedback from delays or unexpected customs taxes and duties that your customer may incur. You post your items to eBay’s UK Shipping Centre and duty payment, customs clearance, tracking and all the rest will be taken care of under the programme. You don’t have to pay anything extra – just the cost of posting to the UK Shipping Centre.
“These are uncertain times for all of us. We’ll be monitoring the situation over the coming weeks and will keep you updated on the latest advice from the Government on what you need to do to prepare for Brexit.”
– eBay
