Businesses moving goods from the EU to GB need to prepare for import control changes which will take effect from 1 January 2022. These changes do not apply to Ireland, that will remain under the governance of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Customs declarations on imports from the EU to GB must be completed at the time you or your courier/freight forwarder bring them into GB. Pre-notification will be required to import certain goods, such as meat or plants, to GB from the EU. You will need to register for the relevant IT systems for animal and plant products to ensure your business is prepared for prenotification requirements from 1 January 2022.

If you buy goods from the EU and bring them into GB, and they meet the rules of origin requirements, you will be able to use preferential tariffs.

To benefit from the preferential tariffs, you must have proof that goods you import into the GB from the EU originate there.

If you cannot prove the origin of the products you’re importing or exporting, the full rate of customs duty will be charged.

Action Required

To prevent delays of goods being provided to Mitie, and to take advantage of preferential tariffs please ensure that the new import rules are understood and applied correctly in your organisation for pre-notification and good assigned to the correct tariff.

Please also consider holding additional stocks in GB to safeguard against delays in shipments as the new controls are launched and bedded in.

Visit gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk and follow the step-by-step guide to prepare for import control changes.

To check if you need to pre-notify visit

• Plants – www.gov.uk/import-plants-from-eu
• Animal products – www.gov.uk/import-animal-products

For practical support with exporting your products, contact the Export Support Service online or by phone.