Sending goods to
the United Kingdom?
Find out what Brexit means for you
Brexit
This will change on 1 January 2021
Do you ever send goods to the United Kingdom * (UK)? Things are about to change. From 1 January 2021 there will be no free movement of goods anymore between the UK and Belgium. Every shipment has to be declared to customs. This means your shipment may take at least 1 day longer.
*United Kingdom: the UK, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales
What is changing?
EORI number (business)
Business shipments to the UK involve more work. To ship goods to the UK, business shippers must request a special EORI number (customs number) from the UK government. Information about how to request this number is available on the website of the UK government.
Provision of customs information
Shipments of goods to countries outside the European Union (EU) are checked by Customs. This means shipments to the UK must have an entered customs form and the correct shipping label. If this information is missing, the shipment is not accepted.
Clearance charges
By declaring goods, clearance charges are charged by HM Revenue & Customs. If you are not sending commercial goods, there is an exemption up to an amount of £39. If you are sending commercial goods up to £135, only VAT is payable to HM Revenue & Customs. For shipments with a higher value, import duties may also be charged. They are payable by the recipient in the UK.
Digital preparation of your shipment
The UK wants to know in advance which goods are entering the country and receive all customs information digitally. By stamping your business shipment online we can share the Customs information directly with the UK. The customs process will be more flexible, without delays.
Business
Sending commercial goods via My PostNL or using the API? Online stamping will be automatic if you have adjusted your systems. The necessary adjustments depend on the system you work with. Go to our developers portal to find all the information you need.
Attention: Customs is extra strict when sending goods on behalf of a company.
No commercial goods
Are you not sending commercial goods? Stamp and pay online via the PostNL Online shipping service. Print out your shipping label and the customs forms at home and deliver everything to your PostNL point.
Shipment rates to the UK
The rates to send commercial goods to the UK could change on 1 January 2021. We are still negotiating with the UK about this. We will keep you informed.