Guide to Exporting and Importing Products Into the UK

f you are planning on exporting and importing products into the UK, an understanding of the country's IMEX framework and freight rules for the transportation of products into the UK will ensure that you will have fewer problems when it comes to dealing with freight in the UK.

Specific customs regulations apply when you want to import goods into the United Kingdom. If the goods in question are being imported from within the European Union then there is no need for a customs declaration; however, a customs declaration is required when products are coming in from other parts of the world. Customs tariffs also vary when you are importing products into the UK. Preferential tariff rates apply when it comes to products made in EU member nations.

Import licenses may be required for some goods and for particular quantities of goods. Those interested in exporting and importing products into the UK will be able to learn about the import license quotas from the HMRC website.

A customs declaration is required for the export of products from the UK, regardless of the destination country. Export in the UK is facilitated and simplified by the New Export System (NES) which streamlines the process and makes things easier for the exporter.

Exporters should be aware of the kinds of products that require certification or licenses, and should produce these when required. These licenses are specific to certain kinds of products; for instance, the import and export of medical related products is subject to rules laid down by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency or MHRA. Chemicals import and export is regulated by REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) laws, while the DARD (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) deals with rules for plant and forest products. Other products where stringent regulations apply include diamonds, plant products, heritage items or antiques and biotechnology products.

Those involved in transporting items to the UK should ensure that they have all the necessary paperwork. Required export documents for sending out goods from the UK include export invoices, consignment documents, proof of payment, insurance documents and a list of the products being exported.

Logistics are an important aspect when it comes to exporting or importing products to the UK. You will need to consider various factors such as packaging, transport, delivery, insurance and cargo care. This can be a fairly irksome task and getting the help of a professional freight forwarder can be particularly beneficial in this regard.