E-commerce in a Brexit world: the rules

Fulfilment towards Great Britain, explained from A to Z

The regulations regarding fulfilment towards the United Kingdom have been very different for a number of years now compared to before Brexit. Border control is more intensive, costs are rising, and shipping times are increasing. Sending or receiving goods from other countries, both within and outside the EU, looks different.

This is what has changed for British Shipments

As a sender or receiver of business shipments, you have already had to make some adjustments in your business dealings. That will increase even more in the coming years. What is it mainly about? For e-commerce with the UK, among other things:

• Applying for a British customs identification number: the EORI number
• Filling out and submitting the required customs forms
• Applying for a UK VAT number for shipments to individuals or recipients without a UK VAT number

This has changed for European shipments.

Thanks to Brexit, European regulations have also changed. So, VAT must be settled in advance with the country where your shipment arrives, and threshold amounts have also been different for a longer period, which in turn affects tax exemption.

Fulfilment: this is what it means for you as an e-commerce company

Whether you are trading with the UK, with countries within the EU, or globally, pay close attention to the regulations. Mainly in the case of the United Kingdom. As an e-commerce company, you need to pay close attention to:

• More administrative burdens
• Longer shipping times
• Paying customs duties