With less than a month until the end of the Brexit transition period we would like to reassure you that Bowker will continue to provide you information and support wherever possible.

Please read the latest update below.

Bowker’s AEO status had previously been for ‘Safety and Security’ in the Supply Chain. In preparation for the new border arrangement, we submitted our application to add ‘Customs’ to our AEO status. This application has been approved by HMRC.

This upgraded status will speed up the customs process as we will be subject to fewer physical and document checks. Bowker will also now be given priority if we were selected at any border controls.

Utilising our dedicated customs team, Bowker can now undertake customs clearance ‘inhouse’ with a direct link into the UK CHIEF system.

If you haven’t done so already and you would like Bowker to look after your customs clearance for either Imports or Exports, please request the direct authorisation letter.

For some time now, we have been advising customers to provide Bowker with a commercial invoice at the time of booking international transport jobs. Please note the invoices must include the following:

• Clear cargo description
• Relevant commodity code(s) (HS-code of the goods)
• Consignee/Importer (with EORI number)
• Consignor/Export (with EORI number)
• Country of origin of the goods
• Delivery address (if different then consignee/importer)
• Invoice number
• Invoice date
• Net & gross weight of the goods
• Number & types of packing
• Incoterms of the sale
• Value and currency prefix (EUR, USD, GBP etc.)

We thank you for your assistance and reassure you that we will keep monitoring the Brexit situation closely and make sure you are informed and ready.

Contact Bowker’s International Team if you have any questions or require any advice.

Please remember to check the latest government guidance for the latest updates www.gov.uk/transition.

When this transition period ends on 31st December 2020, the existing EU trade rules will no longer apply to Great Britain and new trade rules including customs formalities will be introduced.

The UK Government has indicated that these new rules will be introduced gradually in a “Three-phase strategy”, which is a plan for the first six months of 2021.

All exports from the UK will be subject to customs clearance formalities when leaving the UK and also when entering the EU. Traders Importing standard goods (clothes to Electronics) will have up to six months to complete customs declarations and pay any Import duty.

Traders importing Products of Animal origin (POAO) from the EU (for example meat, pet food, honey, milk or egg products) and/or all regulated plants and plant products will require pre-notification and relevant health documentation.

Traders importing all goods from the EU will have to make full declarations and pay tariffs at the point of importation. Full Safety and Security declarations will be introduced, while for certain commodities there will be an increase in physical checks and the taking of samples: Including checks for animals, plants and their products will now take place at GB Border Control Posts.

Bowker will continue with BREXIT preparations and we will make sure we are ready. Experience tells us that the BREXIT outcome could change again as negotiations continue between UK & EU over the coming months. We will keep monitoring the situation closely and make sure we are informed and ready.

The UK has formally left the EU on the 31st January 2020 with a withdrawal deal. The UK is now in a transition period until 31st December 2020 during this period, the UK’s trading relationship remains the same whilst the UK and EU27 negotiate a trade deal which will shape the future trading arrangements from 1st January 2021. We strongly recommend that you continue to prepare for the possibilities that border checks and customs formalities comeback into effect at the end of the transition period. This includes ensuing your Company has an EORI Number, you know the commodity codes of your products, the incoterms under which the products are either sold or bought, and have appointed a Customs Agent to act upon your behalf. We would be delighted to assist and please do not hesitate getting in touch with our International Team

Bowker have been a major provider of International transport since 1961 meaning our International experience pre-dates Britain’s membership of the European Union (1973).

We have created a simple five-step guide to explain how your distribution may be effected by Brexit. You will be reassured, the process will remain very similar to current processes, replicating how jobs are booked and delivered currently to non-European counties. We hope you find the guide useful but if you do have any queries or specific questions about your business, please contact our International team.