Import from the EU to the UK
What does the UK import from the EU?
Millions of shippers import from the EU to the UK per year.
In fact, statistics show that EU imports increased by £0.6 billion (0.8%) in 2024!1 The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner, exchanging £24.0 billion worth of goods this year alone (as of the most recent statistics from August 2024)2.
But what goods do these impressive figures consist of? Below are the top 5 products that shippers import from Europe to UK:
- Precious metals
- Mechanical appliances
- Motor vehicles
- Mineral fuels
- Electronic equipment
The EU has been one of the UK’s most important trading partners since the late 1950s. While the relationship changed fundamentally following Brexit, it has remained mutually beneficial for both parties.
Why import from the EU to the UK?
Bringing goods into the UK from the EU has plenty of advantages, including reduced tariffs under trade agreements and reduced transport costs.
As the biggest player on the global trading scene3, the EU is also a major resource for many UK industries, including hospitality, electronics manufacturing and our NHS healthcare services.
As the biggest player on the global trading scene3, the EU is also a major resource for many UK industries, including hospitality, electronics manufacturing and our NHS healthcare services.
Reduced tariffs under trade agreements
The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)4 promotes tariff-free trade on qualifying goods between the EU and the UK (provided they meet rules of origin criteria).
The arrangement allows businesses to import from the EU to the UK without incurring customs duties.
To benefit from these tariffs, importers must verify that the goods are either wholly obtained or have undergone sufficient processing within the EU or the UK.
The arrangement allows businesses to import from the EU to the UK without incurring customs duties.
To benefit from these tariffs, importers must verify that the goods are either wholly obtained or have undergone sufficient processing within the EU or the UK.
Proximity and reduced transportation costs
The logistics of bringing goods into the UK from the EU are made easier by their geographical proximity.
Shorter distances may result in quicker delivery times. Importers could potentially incur lower transportation expenses compared to sourcing goods from more distant markets.
Shorter distances may result in quicker delivery times. Importers could potentially incur lower transportation expenses compared to sourcing goods from more distant markets.
Compare Freight Shipping Rates in Seconds
Get instant quotes from leading ocean and air freight providers. Find the best rates for your shipping needs in one place.
What are the VAT and customs rules when importing from the EU?
As of January 2021, UK shippers are no longer privy to the EU's Single Market and Customs Union5.
To import from Europe to UK, transactions between UK businesses and EU counterparts were treated as intra-EU acquisitions (which allowed for the free movement of goods without customs checks or tariffs).
To import from the EU to the UK today, UK shippers must submit detailed customs documentation, including information on the nature of goods, their origin, and value. Imported EU goods are also subject to VAT.
Goods imported from the EU are now subject to import VAT at the standard rate of 20%. Items worth more than £135 must also pay an import duty cost.
According to UK government regulations, customs charges from the EU to the UK will apply if they are either excise goods or worth more than £1356.
To import from the EU to the UK today, UK shippers must submit detailed customs documentation, including information on the nature of goods, their origin, and value. Imported EU goods are also subject to VAT.
1. Value Added Tax (VAT)
Goods imported from the EU are now subject to import VAT at the standard rate of 20%. Items worth more than £135 must also pay an import duty cost.
2. Customs duties
According to UK government regulations, customs charges from the EU to the UK will apply if they are either excise goods or worth more than £1356.
Do I need a licence to import goods into the UK from the EU?
To import from the EU to the UK, you only need a licence for goods that are subject to import controls and, therefore, require certificates. These include (but are not limited to):
Consult HMRC’s list of controlled goods7 to find out if your import from Europe to UK requires a licence.
- Military goods
- Rough diamonds
- Toxic chemicals
- Firearms
Consult HMRC’s list of controlled goods7 to find out if your import from Europe to UK requires a licence.
How long does it take to import from the EU?
Travel timelines for pallet shipping via FTL (full-truckload) road haulage will vary based on origin and destination. Here are some estimates:
LTL shipping could potentially extend these transit times due to the additional stops and handling.
- France to UK: Approximately 2–3 days.
- Germany to UK: Around 1–3 days.
- Spain to UK: Typically 2–3 days.
- Italy to UK: Between 2–4 days.
LTL shipping could potentially extend these transit times due to the additional stops and handling.
Refernces
[1]https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/nationalaccounts/balanceofpayments/bulletins/uktrade/july2024
[2]https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-overseas-trade-in-goods-statistics-august-2024/uk-overseas-trade-in-goods-statistics-august-2024-commentary
[3]https://european-union.europa.eu/live-work-study/import-and-export_en
[4]https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-trade-and-cooperation-agreement_en
[5]https://european-union.europa.eu/priorities-and-actions/actions-topic/customs_en
[6]https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty
[7]https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-goods-imported-into-great-britain-from-the-eu-that-are-controlled
[2]https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-overseas-trade-in-goods-statistics-august-2024/uk-overseas-trade-in-goods-statistics-august-2024-commentary
[3]https://european-union.europa.eu/live-work-study/import-and-export_en
[4]https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-trade-and-cooperation-agreement_en
[5]https://european-union.europa.eu/priorities-and-actions/actions-topic/customs_en
[6]https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty
[7]https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-goods-imported-into-great-britain-from-the-eu-that-are-controlled
Get The Best Freight Rates Today
Easily compare rates from top ocean and air freight carriers. Save time and money on your next shipment.