Consumer Goods

Consumer Goods businesses should take these five actions as a start:
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1

Visit gov.uk/transition to find out what new rules they need to follow.

2

Check the new rules on importing and exporting goods between the EU
and Great Britain. Different rules apply in Northern Ireland.

  • If a business sends goods from Great Britain to customers in Europe, they must complete export declarations for those goods. Goods exported to the EU may be subject to additional checks.

 

  • If they import goods from Europe that are on the controlled goods list (such as high risk animal products, alcohol or tobacco, or firearms), they must also complete declarations. If a business imports non controlled goods into Great Britain from Europe, they may be able to defer import declarations for up to six months.

 

3

Use GOV.UK to identify changes affecting manufactured goods, such as new marking requirements or approvals needed, to ensure businesses are ready to sell them in the UK and EU.

  • A business may need to review their product marking, labelling, and packaging. A business may need additional approvals, certifications, or registrations. They may need to appoint a legal representative based in the UK or the EU. The legal responsibilities of businesses or their distributors may change.

 

4

Check what actions to take under UK REACH, EU REACH and other chemical regulations to continue to manufacture and place chemicals on the Great Britain, Northern Ireland and EU markets.

  • If a business imports any goods from Europe into Great Britain, they may need to pay Import VAT. Import VAT will not be due at the border in most cases if goods in a consignment are worth less than £135 in value. The only exception to this is consignments containing excise goods, where Import VAT (along with Excise and Customs duties where applicable) will be due at the border.

 

5

If businesses are moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland, they need to check the latest guidance.

  • The Northern Ireland Protocol has come into force. There are special provisions which only apply in Northern Ireland so if a business moves goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland they will need to check the latest guidance here on GOV.UK