Post Brexit support
Full customs controls came into effect on 1 January 2022. You might be affected if you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU).
Importing, exporting or customs relief
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs call the Customs and International Trade helpline on:
- telephone: 0300 322 9434.
The helpline is open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 4pm at weekends. You can also send your questions or contact HM revenues and customs by webchat.
The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a 'one-stop shop' and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support.
HMRC's YouTube channel
HMRC's YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU.
- website: HMRC YouTube channel
Watch the 'Rules of origin recorded webinar' on YouTube, to understand the process and what you need to do if you buy from, send or sell goods to the EU.
HRMC live webinars
Register now to see the HMRC live webinars, including:
- How to import – what you need to do if you’re importing goods into Great Britain from the EU (except Ireland) or rest of world countries, from 1 January 2022
- Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving – covering zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations
- Customs Import Declarations: an overview – of the whole declarations process
- Importing food and drink, and animal products from the EU to Great Britain – DEFRA webinars about upcoming changes and how to register and use the import system IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System).
You can also find recordings of previous HMRC webinars on their Support for UK transition website:
- website: Support for UK transition
HMRC resources
- Download the trader checklist, read updated government guides or visit HMRC customer forums
- Sign up for the Trader Support Service if you’re moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland. Here you can access online training modules and webinars for support with the Northern Ireland Protocol.
You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
Get expert help lined up
We recommend you get a contract in place as soon as you can with a customs intermediary like a freight forwarder or customs broker. This is especially important if you are exporting or importing controlled goods, as you will not be able to delay your declarations.
Know how to classify your goods and how to evidence their origin
Your customs intermediary will also be able to help you ensure your goods are classified correctly. If you do not classify your goods correctly or if you do not accurately record the origin of the goods in your customs declaration, then you may be charged the wrong amount of tax or duty. If you choose not to hire an intermediary, then you will need to do this yourself.