We’re aiming for business as usual
FOR COMPANIES MOVING GOODS FROM GREAT BRITAIN TO NORTHERN IRELAND, A FEW EXTRA STEPS ARE NOW NEEDED
exports and imports to VAT and travel.
And, with the Northern Ireland Protocol now in place, there are also changes to the way goods move between GB and NI. If your business is based in GB and moves goods into NI, there are some key actions you need to take now to keep goods flowing.
We are continuing to send our products to Northern Ireland and can even offer next day delivery Ryan Roberts, Hey!
Smart home tech company Hey! comprises a team of four operating within the larger Tactus Group Ltd, and the business aims to bring simplicity to the fast-growing home tech market. Being able to sell its range of smart lighting, security cameras, sensors and plugs across both GB and NI is an important part of its business plan, so not something it could ignore.
As Brad Nevinson, Hey!’s head of innovation explains: “Making smart homes less of a tech idea and more of an everyday one – accessible for everyone across the whole of the UK – is important to us.”
HELP AVAILABLE
The team at Hey! was pleasantly surprised that the changes it needed to make were straightforward. Marketing manager Ryan Roberts says, “We had anticipated that moving goods to Northern Ireland would be a complex and time-consuming process, but we are continuing to send our products across, and can offer next day delivery.”
Businesses moving goods between GB and NI can register for the free-to use Trader Support Service (TSS), which helps both businesses and traders navigate the changes. The TSS will submit customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf, so you can complete declarations without the need for specialist advice or software. It also provides free online courses and training materials, as well as support through a dedicated contact centre.
EORI NUMBER
Any business moving goods to NI needs an EORI number that starts with XI. If you don’t have one, it’s quick and easy to apply by visiting gov.uk/eori.
While the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement delivers zero tariffs on imports and exports, there are some instances where duty may be from GB.
Whether you have to pay duty, and how much it will be, depends on where you are bringing the goods from and whether they are “at risk” of onward movement to the EU.
If you plan to bring goods into NI that you know are not “at risk” of moving to the
EU, you can apply for authorisation under the UK Trader Scheme. Businesses can also access training and find out more information about tariffs through the Trader Support Service.
Throughout the whole prothe information at gov.uk/ transition vital when planning for moving their goods to NI. Here you can access the Brexit checker tool for personalised actions for your business, alongside step-bystep guidance and further information to keep your goods moving.