How to Move Goods from the UK to International Destinations, Including the EU
This guide outlines the process to ship products from the UK, assisting businesses in delivering items to overseas markets, including the EU, while following necessary regulations and requirements.
Step 1: Check If You Need to Follow This Process
Overview: Determine if these steps apply to your situation.
Follow these steps if you’re permanently shipping:
- Items from the UK (England, Wales, or Scotland – Great Britain) to a country outside the UK.
- Items from Northern Ireland to a country outside the UK and EU.
What you need to do differs if you are:
- Shifting items between Great Britain and Northern Ireland or Northern Ireland and the EU.
- Sending packages via Royal Mail (see Royal Mail guidance).
- Taking a small amount of items overseas personally to sell.
- Temporarily shipping items from the UK.
For more assistance, including planning tips, consult government resources online.
Step 2: Check the Rules for Exporting Your Goods
Check the Rules: Ensure your products comply with destination country standards.
- Research duties, tariffs, and restrictions in the destination country.
- Apply for licences or a certificate if required to ship items from the UK.
Special rules apply to certain items. You may need additional paperwork for:
- Live animals and animal-derived products (e.g., meat, dairy).
- Plants and related products.
- Drugs, medicines, medical devices, or chemicals.
- Ozone-depleting substances and F-gases.
- Radioactive materials, diamonds, or artworks and antiques.
- Waste shipments or items linked to torture or capital punishment.
- Firearms, ammunition, military items, or dual-use products (civil and military uses).
Visit gov.uk for guidance on classifications, sanctions, and shipping details.
Step 3: Get Your Business Ready to Export
Prepare Your Business: Set up the essentials for shipping.
- Obtain an EORI number starting with GB to ship from England, Wales, or Scotland.
- If handling items to or from Northern Ireland, you may need an XI EORI number.
- Check if you need to register for VAT.
Streamline processes with:
- Simplified procedures for regular shippers.
- Common Transit to move goods efficiently.
- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status for trusted traders.
Check if the Importer is Ready: The overseas buyer may need:
- To file an import statement in their country.
- Licences to receive your items.
Confirm with buyers that they can receive items into their market, especially in EU countries or under trade agreements.
Step 4: Decide Who Will Make Export Declarations and Transport the Goods
Handle Declarations: Choose how to manage paperwork and logistics.
- Hire an agent or freight forwarder to oversee checks and transport.
- Learn to file declarations yourself online.
- Arrange to transport items out of the UK by road, sea, or air—check port rules to avoid delays.
For detailed guidance, explore gov.uk resources on agents and shipping options.