Import Machinery to UK

Cost-effective Import of Goods like Machinery from the EU into the UK

In the year 2020, the UK imported machinery and transport equipment as part of its import goods, valued at approximately 84 million GBP from EU countries, making up a great portion of UK imports from the EU. This article details how to apply the new processes to move freight and import goods successfully across the UK border, whether you’re in England, Wales, or Scotland.

Importing Goods Like Machinery from the EU to the UK

The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, effective from 1 January 2021, brought new changes to the import process for businesses. Under this agreement, all companies moving import goods between the EU and the UK must make import declarations and complete additional paperwork, such as customs declarations. If your business is importing machinery as a good from the EU to the UK, you need to apply these customs processes, get the right information, and check for delays. Here’s what you must know to start the process and make the system work for you.

Get a Quote for your Freight!

Pick Up Address

Delivery Address

Cargo Length (cm)

Cargo Width (cm)

Cargo Height (cm)

Cargo Weight (kg)

Commercial Value of Cargo

Cargo MSDS

Picture of Cargo

Your Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Use the Right Code for Your Import Machinery

When you import goods like heavy machinery from the EU to the UK, you must use the correct HS code for your import declaration. Unlike other goods spread across several chapters, heavy machinery falls neatly in chapter 84 of the Harmonised System. Below are examples of codes to apply:

8407310000: Use this code to import spark-ignition piston engines.
8408201000: For diesel or semi-diesel engines you wish to send to the UK.
8415101010: Apply this to bring in air conditioning machines (self-contained and precharged with HFCs).
8417201000: Use this to import bakery or biscuit ovens (tunnel type).
8417805000: For furnaces used in glass production across the UK border.
8421210020: For importing water purification centrifuges for industrial or lab use.
8424491000: Use this to bring in tractor-drawn agricultural sprayers as part of your freight.
8426110000: For cranes (overhead travelling on fixed support) to move into the UK.
8427101000: For forklifts (with a height of 1 meter or more).
8435100000: Apply this to import wine-pressing machinery.
8447110000: For circular knitting machines to get into the UK market.

Find the suitable code for your import goods to ensure a smooth customs process and avoid delays when you send equipment as freight.

Our Seamless Shipping Process

Pack Container

Ship Contract

Sea Transit

Report Submission

Unload at Dock

Customs Check

Distribute Goods

SLG was recommended to me by a friend, and from the first message until I received my goods, the team at SLG’s service has been nothing short of amazing. The way they have guided and assured me throughout the process shows their many years of experience in the industry. Thank you!

Amanda

We’ve had good experiences working with SLG for our company’s regular shipments from the UK. The team at SLG have exhibited great initiative and helped handle our queries. Thank you for making our shipment process smooth!

Guoyi

I want to commend the team at SLG for their help with importing my cargo from the UK. I appreciate their support in answering my queries promptly and would recommend them to anyone needing logistics services.

Kevin

7,300+

Miles Covered

Countries

99.9%

Deliveries On Time

Apply for Preferential Tariffs When You Import Goods from the EU

Claim Duty-Free Access Using Rules of Origin

The UK and EU agreement allows businesses to claim zero tariffs and quotas, meaning you can import goods like agricultural machines, textile-weaving machines, and printing machinery from the EU to the UK without costly duty fees. However, to get this tariff-free access when you move goods outside the UK or within the EU, you must provide paperwork showing the machinery originates from the EU. This proof can include either:

A statement of origin completed by the exporter on a commercial document, or
Importers’ knowledge that the good originates in the EU.

Make a Statement of Origin for Your Import Declaration

A statement of origin completed by the exporter on a commercial document must include details showing the product is originating, such as a supplier’s declaration. To qualify, the exporter must:

Be based in the UK or EU.
Be the producer or exporter of the originating product.
Be responsible for identifying the product on the invoice.
Be identified on the statement by their Registered Exporter (REX) number or address.

Use Importer’s Knowledge to Claim Preferential Tariffs

If you choose to use “importer’s knowledge” to claim preferential tariffs for your import goods, you must ask your exporter to provide documents detailing the production process. These may include:

The HS code of the product.
A brief description of the production process.
Details of originating and non-originating materials used in production.
The place of production for “wholly obtained” products.
The value of the product and materials used.
The weight of the product and relevant materials.
A certificate of non-manipulation from the Customs Authority in the country of transit.

Process and Timeframe for Duty Refunds

Your statement of origin is valid for two years from its creation date. It’s best to present it with the customs declaration before the good enters free circulation in the UK. However, if needed, you can contact HMRC to claim a duty refund within three years of the importation date, provided you submit valid proof of origin. Check with HMRC for the full process to ensure you’re able to establish eligibility, whether you’re importing one piece of equipment or a container full of machinery.