When you ship goods between the EU-UK trade transit, the movement of goods between the European Union and the United Kingdom after Brexit, involving customs checks, tariffs, and regulatory compliance. Also known as cross-border shipping between the UK and EU, it now requires more than just a truck and a bill of lading. Since January 2021, every shipment crossing the Irish Sea or the English Channel has to clear customs, pay VAT, and follow new rules that didn’t exist before. It’s not just paperwork—it’s a whole new way of doing business.
This shift affects everyone from small exporters to manufacturers who rely on EU suppliers. The Incoterms, standardized international trade terms that define who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs duties you choose—like DAP or DDP—now make a real difference in cost and risk. If you pick DDP and agree to handle EU customs, you’re on the hook for delays, fees, and even penalties if your paperwork is wrong. But if you use DAP, the buyer takes over at the border, which is often safer for UK businesses with limited resources. And it’s not just about who pays—it’s about who knows what forms to fill out. The customs clearance, the official process of getting goods approved to enter or leave a country, including submitting declarations, paying duties, and meeting regulatory standards process in the UK now uses the CHIEF and later the CDS system, which many small businesses still struggle to navigate without help.
What you’ll find in this collection are real, practical guides from businesses that’ve been through it. You’ll see how to pick the right Incoterms for your product, how to avoid common customs mistakes that lead to stopped shipments, and how to handle VAT on goods moving between the UK and EU. There’s no fluff—just clear steps on documentation, labeling, and working with freight forwarders who actually know the system. Whether you’re shipping handmade goods, machinery parts, or food products, these posts give you the exact tools to keep your supply chain moving without paying overpriced consultants.
Learn how the T1 transit procedure works for moving goods between the UK and EU under customs control. Avoid delays, fines, and seizures with clear steps, common mistakes, and best practices.
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