For many businesses, Brexit changed more than trading relationships. It also changed the way goods move across borders.
Before Brexit, shipping between the UK and EU often involved little more than arranging transport and preparing commercial paperwork. Today, many businesses also need to consider customs declarations, product classifications, and other customs requirements before goods can continue their journey.
If you've found the changes confusing, you're not alone. Many businesses are still adapting to the new processes, particularly those that only ship internationally occasionally. The good news is that once you understand the basics, customs procedures become much easier to manage.
This guide explains what has changed since Brexit, how those changes affect businesses today, and what you can do to keep shipments moving without unnecessary delays.
Table of Contents
- What Are Post-Brexit Customs Procedures?
- What Changed After Brexit?
- What Does This Mean for Northern Ireland Businesses?
- Common Challenges Businesses Face
- How Businesses Can Stay Prepared
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Post-Brexit Customs Procedures?
Post-Brexit customs procedures are the customs processes businesses now need to follow when moving goods across certain UK and EU borders.
In simple terms, customs authorities need information about the goods before they're allowed to continue their journey. That information helps confirm what is being shipped, where it's came from, where it's going, and whether any duties, taxes, or additional requirements apply.
Depending on the shipment, businesses may need to provide:
- Customs declarations
- Commercial invoices
- Packing lists
- Commodity codes
- Transport documents
- Import or export licences where required
The exact requirements depend on where the goods are moving and the type of products being shipped.
What Changed After Brexit?
For many businesses, the biggest change has been the amount of preparation required before goods leave the warehouse.
Rather than simply booking transport, businesses now often need to think about customs much earlier in the process.
Some of the most noticeable changes include:
- Customs Declarations
Many shipments now require customs declarations before goods can move between customs territories.
Providing accurate information from the beginning helps reduce the risk of delays once goods reach the border.
Businesses looking for support with declarations can learn more about Westmond's Customs Solutions, which help simplify customs compliance for regular importers and exporters.
- Greater Focus on Documentation
Since Brexit, paperwork has become an even more important part of international shipping.
Commercial invoices, transport documents, product descriptions, and shipment values all need to be accurate and consistent.
Most customs delays aren't caused by transport problems. They're usually the result of information that's missing, incomplete, or doesn't match across documents.
- Commodity Codes Matter More Than Ever
Commodity codes aren't new, but they're now a much bigger part of customs compliance.
Using the correct classification helps determine which customs requirements apply to a shipment and whether duties or other controls need to be considered.
The UK Trade Tariff Tool provides guidance on product classifications and customs requirements before goods are shipped.
What Does This Mean for Northern Ireland Businesses?
Northern Ireland has its own trading arrangements following Brexit, so customs procedures aren't always the same as in the rest of the UK.
For businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, customs requirements can vary depending on:
- The type of goods
- Their destination
- Their intended use
- The current trading arrangements
Businesses moving goods onwards to Ireland may also have different customs considerations.
The latest official guidance is available from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Northern Ireland business guidance on GOV.UK, and it's worth checking for updates from time to time as procedures continue to evolve.
Businesses that regularly transport goods between Great Britain and Ireland can also benefit from Westmond's UK & Ireland Links service, which supports reliable cross-border freight movements.
Common Challenges Businesses Face
Most customs issues don't happen because the rules are especially difficult. They usually happen because something small has been overlooked before the shipment leaves.
Some of the most common problems include:
- Incorrect commodity codes
- Missing commercial invoices
- Incomplete customs declarations
- Shipment values that don't match supporting documents
- Assuming every shipment follows the same customs process
A quick review before dispatch can often prevent delays that are much harder to resolve once goods are already in transit.
How Businesses Can Stay Prepared
The best way to avoid customs issues is to prepare before goods are dispatched rather than trying to resolve problems once a shipment is already in transit.
Start by reviewing the information that will accompany your shipment. Product descriptions, values, commodity codes, and supporting documents should all be accurate and consistent. Even small discrepancies can lead to unnecessary questions during customs checks.
It's also worth reviewing your customs procedures regularly, especially if your business imports or exports goods on an ongoing basis. Customs requirements can change over time, and what applied to a shipment last year may not be exactly the same today.
A few questions to ask include:
- Are our commodity codes still correct?
- Is our customs documentation complete?
- Have we checked the latest customs guidance?
- Do we understand the requirements for this specific shipment?
- Do we have the right support if questions arise?
Many businesses also find it helpful to work with a customs specialist rather than trying to manage every requirement in-house. This can reduce administration, minimise delays, and provide reassurance that customs procedures are being handled correctly.
Conclusion
Brexit has changed the way many businesses move goods, but it doesn't have to make the process more difficult. Once you understand the customs requirements that apply to your shipments and prepare the right documentation before goods are dispatched, customs clearance becomes much easier to manage.
Whether you're moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland or trading internationally, staying up to date with the latest customs procedures can help reduce delays, avoid unnecessary costs, and keep your supply chain running smoothly.
If you need support with customs declarations, documentation, or ongoing customs compliance, see how Westmond can help with your Customs Solutions requirements. Contact us today to speak with our team and find the right solution for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are post-Brexit customs procedures?
Post-Brexit customs procedures are the processes businesses must follow when moving goods between the UK and the EU, or across other customs borders. Depending on the shipment, this may include customs declarations, supporting documents, and compliance with current customs regulations.
2. Do all shipments require customs declarations?
No. Whether a customs declaration is required depends on where the goods are travelling, the type of products being shipped, and the applicable customs arrangements. Checking the requirements before dispatch can help prevent delays.
3. Why are commodity codes important?
Commodity codes are used to classify goods for customs purposes. They help determine whether duties, taxes, or additional import or export requirements apply. Using the correct code can help ensure your shipment is processed efficiently.
4. Where can I find official guidance on post-Brexit customs procedures?
The latest guidance is available from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Northern Ireland business guidance on GOV.UK. These resources provide up-to-date information on customs requirements and trading arrangements.
5. How can Westmond help with post-Brexit customs procedures?
Westmond provides Customs Solutions to help businesses manage customs declarations, documentation, and compliance. We also support freight movements across Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and international markets, helping businesses keep goods moving efficiently.
