Prior to the reality of Brexit, the freight industry was led to believe that consignments to the EU would only require a simple customs clearance and any need for additional documentation would be communicated clearly. One would think that during the past four years of extensive planning, the government would have ensured the free circulation of goods could continue between the UK and the EU unimpeded, but this is sadly very far from the case. And so, as we find ourselves in the early stages of the new ‘normal’ post Brexit, the entire freight industry has been thrown into bureaucratic and logistical chaos.

While we do continue to perform customs entries as always, we are finding that the information regarding the additional travel documentation now required for some goods going to the EU is near impossible to access via HMRC. Despite the Government’s exhortation to access the information via the GOV.UK website, this has not been updated since the end of the Brexit transition period came into effect on the 1st January, and telephone help lines are overwhelmed during these unprecedented times and are stretched beyond capacity.

In addition, this increase in processes has resulted in long delays for outbound trips causing a backlog of freight waiting to leave the UK. Equally, these problems with new border regulations have resulted in a number of courier, pallet, and freight carriers refusing to accept UK-bound consignments; the entire situation has been compounded by coronavirus testing. Needless to say, the cost of moving cargo between the UK and the EU has risen significantly and it is likely that rates will increase even further over the weeks ahead.

As with any new processes, the first few weeks are always going to be a sharp learning curve, and the new UK/EU requirements should soon become the norm; but we are dealing with complex changes and unfortunately at the current time, it is arguably far simpler to send something to Brazil than it is to send something to Belgium.

We are in constant contact with our partners/suppliers and providers, all of whom are entirely focussed on resolving the current issues and bringing this period of uncertainty to its fastest possible resolution. Please be assured in the meantime, that we appreciate your patience and continue to have your best interests at heart. We are working tirelessly to return to the pre-Brexit levels of service our valued customers deserve and expect.

Britain’s historical vote to leave the European Union has had a global impact. For some the effects would have been minimal, but for those working in international trade, this will have a major significance. As the Brexit transition period comes to a close, it is clear that the UK’s imminent departure from the EU is causing confusion and headaches to those trading within Europe. The real possibility of an increase in costs and delayed shipments could lead to long term difficulties for your business and the satisfaction of your customers.

So how will All World Freight simplify the process and support you through the next few months?

At All World Freight, we focus on what we know and can affect. Over the last 33 years, we have worked with and alongside our customers to seamlessly transport goods and freight within Europe and around the world. International freight transfer relies heavily on solid relationships, so we work with our handpicked freight partners, to ensure that successful delivery is our standard.

In a period where there may appear to be many unknowns, we are using our 33 years’ experience in international freight and our extensive network of industry leading experts, to ensure we have the answers and the ability to alleviate any concerns or worries you may have or are experiencing as you plan for your future outside of the EU. Whether this is your first step in international freight movement or if you regularly import or export goods, do not let Brexit stand in the way. International trade is now more than ever a key component and building block to the success of thousands of businesses across the UK. From the moment you contact us at All World Freight, we will ensure that your dedicated relationship manager will support you through the whole process, including planning, administration, customs clearance and import and export declarations, giving you the opportunity to focus on growing your business and your customers leaving all the worry to us.

A significant percentage of our business and trading within Europe over the last 33 years puts us in an enviable position to be able to support the entirety of your freight needs and requirements.

Post-Brexit export

Here are some questions to ask if you’ll be exporting to the EU after Brexit:

• Do I have an EORI number? An active EORI number is compulsory for customs clearance of all goods entering or leaving the UK. Your EU-based customers will also need an EU EORI number they will not be able to use UK- issued EORI numbers in the EU post Brexit.
• Have you researched and identified the correct commodity codes for export shipments?
• Will your contract terms for customers change? This particularly applies to Incoterms. There are 13 Incoterms, ranging from the generally applicable DDP and DAP to FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF used for sea freight. After Brexit your use of Incoterms may need to change because of their impact on post-Brexit import duty liability and import clearance costs. Are any long-term supplier declarations still up-to-date? Post-Brexit, products originating in the UK will no longer be ‘of EU origin’. Equally, EU Certificates of Origin will no longer be valid.
• Do accompanying export documents include all required product definitions, weights, dimensions, EORI numbers and HS codes? Do you need to change anything? Will your exports be subject to an EU import tax levy? Do your export customers currently benefit from nil-rate or lower-rate tariffs because of the EU’s free trade agreements? These won’t apply after Brexit.

Post-Brexit import

Here are a few important points to consider if you’re importing from the EU after Brexit:

• Do you have an EORI number? If not, please get one and remember that only EORI numbers with a ‘GB’ prefix will be valid after Brexit. EU businesses that you deal with will of course need an EU EORI number.
• You will need to identify the value and quantity of import transactions you’ll be making and the applicable duty rates?
• Do your supplier’s commercial invoices include all required details for import declaration purposes? More information will be needed after Brexit.
• Do you need a Duty Deferment Account? If you are importing from the EU regularly this could be really helpful. It allows payment of customs duty, excise duty, and import VAT by monthly direct debit rather than at the point of entry.
• Will UK duty be applied to goods imported from the EU27? The UK Government has said that no duty will be levied on EU goods after Brexit, but that could change if there’s no deal by January 2021.

We understand how difficult some of the decision making is right now, but decisions need to be made. We are here to support you through that decision making so now is the right time to contact us and allow us to take the strain.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has amended the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) to require that as of 1 July 2016, a packed container being loaded for export must have its gross mass determined in advance through weighing – without exception.

Under the SOLAS amendments, there are two permissible methods for weighing: weighing the container after it has been packed; or weighing all the cargo and contents of the container and adding those weights to the container’s tare weight as indicated on the door end of the container. The shipper cannot use a weight given by a third party, or estimate the weight.

Ultimate responsibility for this will lie with the shipper, meaning the person or entity named on the ocean bill of lading. In order for this verification to be compliant, it must be signed by a specific person representing the shipper, who is named and identified as having verified the accuracy of the weight calculation. What has yet to be fully defined are key aspects of the required accuracy of compliant VGM systems and where this will take place.