Products

Importing or Exporting Goods from the EU and EEA

HMRC has provided guidance about what will happen for those importing or exporting goods at the end of the transition period.

If you are exporting:

  • From 1 January 2021 you will need an EORI number if you want to move goods between the EU and the UK.
  • You will need a commodity code for your products. The product commodity code identifies the rate of VAT and duty payable and if any licence to import is required.
  • Your business, customs broker or supplier will need to submit a declaration to HMRC.
  • Make sure your hauliers have all the information they need before they leave for the border.
  • Check whether they will need an ECMT permit

You can follow the government flowchart to check all the actions you need to take.

If you are importing:

If you move goods to Northern Ireland (NI), you should register for Trader Support Services to guide you through the process.

There will be minimal changes when moving goods between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The government has published specific guidance on moving good from Northern Ireland to the EU.

You can follow the government flowchart to check all the actions you need to take.

Product Availability Matrix

Build UK has worked with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply to publish a detailed report on the impact of the UK leaving the EU on the supply of construction materials from 1 January 2021. The report identifies whether materials may be in short supply or have longer lead times and it will be regularly updated.

Whilst no material is currently identified as being high risk, early engagement with suppliers and manufacturers is strongly recommended to avoid delays and disruption.

Download a copy of the full materials matrix here.

Product Marking

Goods to be placed on the EU market will require the CE Mark and must undertake the necessary conformity assessment activity with an EU based recognised body, or arrange for the transfer of the certificate (and associated files) from a UK notified body to an EU-recognised notified body.

From 1 January 2021, in Great Britain (GB), both the UK marking and the CE marking will be recognised. Manufacturers will either need to:

  • affix the UK  Conformity Assessed marking using a UK-recognised ‘approved body’, or
  • affix the CE marking using an EU-recognised ‘notified body’.

The CLC has published guidance about product marking on site as well as more detailed guidance on the use of product markings.

There is further guidance about placing goods on the NI market.

The Construction Products Regulation guidance explains how to place CE marking on your products, identify UK requirements relating to construction products and how to apply to be a UK Notified Body or Technical Assessment Body.

 

Checklist

There will be changes to the current systems for importing and exporting goods to and from the UK. You can start to take action now to understand and manage the implications for you and your business.

  • Which of my products are imported from the EU or EEA?
  • How do they get into the UK?
  • Will the manufacturers continue to supply to the UK?
  • Do I need to consider alternative suppliers?
  • Will my products be subject to specific regulations e.g. timber, wood packaging material, chemicals?
  • Do I or my supplier need to register for an EORI number?
  • Do I or my supplier need an import licence?
  • Will there be an increase in tax or duty to pay?
  • What quantities will I need for projects over the next 6 months?
  • Is this quantity currently available?
  • Is there likely to be a delay in deliveries?
  • Could this delay or disrupt programmes or projects?
  • Should I stockpile materials or products?

Actions

Thank you to Build UK and CECA for producing this content.