4 steps for successful UK-to-EU sales post-Brexit you didn’t know about

Selling to the EU is within reach, but there are rules to follow. Discover four vital steps from our Step-by-Step Guide to Selling in the EU Post-Brexit. 

Hungry for the complete checklist? Grab it for free by downloading our guide now! 

1. Screen all your items for restrictions

Don’t forget to check the rules for selling things in different countries. What you can sell in the UK might not be allowed in Germany or France, and you might need special permission to export from the UK. It’s a good idea to make sure you can sell your products in the European Union (EU) and whether you need any licenses. 

The EU has rules about what you can import, especially for things like agricultural products, medicine, weapons, endangered animals, and plants with certain substances. They also care about protecting endangered animals all across the EU. While there are some simplified rules for UK products in the EU, it’s safest to check import restrictions. 

2. Get an EORI number for your company

An EORI number, or Economic Operator Registration and Identification number, is essential for UK businesses trading with the EU. This unique ID code helps track and register customs information and is required for completing customs declarations and paying customs duties and taxes. 

To obtain an EORI number, you can apply directly on the British government website. In most cases, you’ll receive your GB EORI number immediately. However, if HMRC needs to perform any checks on your application, it may take up to 5 working days to process. It’s a straightforward process that ensures your business can smoothly engage in trade with the EU. 

3. Add the right HS code to your goods

HS codes, or Harmonised System Codes, are like labels that help identify and classify products for shipping across the world. The first six digits of an HS code are the same for more than 200 countries. However, some countries can add extra digits to make more specific tariff rules. 

Customs authorities use HS codes to figure out how much customs duty, import taxes, and other fees apply to your goods. When you’re sending things to the EU, you must use a 10-digit code called the TARIC code (HS6+ 2+2). So, for EU shipments, you’ll need to make sure you have the right TARIC code for each item you’re selling. 

4. Display all the fees in your customers shopping cart

EU customers faced a big surprise after Brexit: unexpected bills for VAT and customs fees when receiving their packages. Many of them decided to send the packages back instead of paying these unexpected costs, and some were too worried to shop on British websites, fearing extra expenses during delivery. 

To make your EU customers feel more comfortable when shopping on your website, it’s crucial to show them all the duties and taxes they’ll have to pay before they complete their order. This way, you can avoid surprising charges that might make them feel uneasy about their shopping experience. 

Reconnect with your EU customers post-Brexit, step by step

After Brexit, dealing with EU rules might seem tricky, but selling to the EU is easier than you think. The EU market is still open for business, and you can win back your EU customers quickly with Eurora’s help. Want to get started? Just download our free guide to: 

• Set up your business: Explore the essential steps to ensure successful shipping to the EU. Learn about export and import restrictions that apply, and ensure that all required registrations are in order. 
• Ship in full compliance: Get a checklist for all the things you need to do when shipping a parcel to the EU. Find out what information and documents you should prepare, and who you need to provide them to. 
• Go beyond compliance: Compliance is a must, but it alone won’t differentiate you from your competitors. Learn how to go the extra mile and offer a seamless experience to your customers.