Exporting to the EU - Our Top Tips
According to research from DHL Express, 6% of British businesses have stopped selling to EU-markets in a post Brexit environment, whilst 25% forecast an increase in exporting activity over the next 12 months but 28% anticipate a decrease. Clearly, Brexit has caused much upheaval to UK small businesses who export to the EU. So what help is available?
The government proffered up the SME Brexit Support Fund, funding support on training new exporting trading processes, which was made available on 1st January 2021. The Fund closed on 30 June 2021 and it is reported that only 30% of SMEs had taken up the government’s offer to help smooth the way to exporting to the EU in a post Brexit world.
Exporting to the EU 6 months on
For small business owners, one of the main challenges is the increased level of trading complexity now involved in exporting to the EU as the EU itself is not a single entity, but made up of many countries that have their own trading regulations and restrictions. So a business owner who is exporting to multiple EU countries, that is a lot of red tape to deal with.
Six months on, the exporting process is running more smoothly with UK businesses learning the customs process and end consumers experiencing improved buying experience.
Our Top Tips for SME exporters
Adapting and evolving in the face of new regulations is possible for SME exporters in a post Brexit world if you get to grips with the new rules. Here are our top tips to help the exporting process run smoothly in your business.
Top Tip - Online sales
We suggest total transparency when selling online and advising customers at the point of sale of all costs associated when purchasing from you, including custom duties, VAT and shipping costs, and give the cost breakdown clearly if you produce invoices.
Your customers will value this clarity versus charging at a later date and potentially damaging the relationship and your reputation.
Top Tip - Go Digital
Make your life easier and opt to send customs information electronically.
Use your shipping company’s online tools for example and paperless trade services where you can.
Top Tip - Accuracy is key
When completing customs paperwork, make sure the data provided is accurate and clear, particularly when noting description of your goods. Any ambiguity, customs will delay the export. For example, it is not enough to provide a description of ‘clothes’ under the goods description, you will need to provide as much detail as possible to avoid unnecessary delays to your end customer.
Top Tip
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Contact details of buyer
Make sure you provide contact details of your end consumer when completing customs paperwork, particularly if they are due to pay the custom duties and VAT. Often custom officials are required to contact the end consumer before releasing your goods, either for payments or request for additional information. Again, this will mitigate delays for getting your product to the end consumer in the EU.
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