Since this January, the rules governing customs and road transport between the EU and the UK have changed.
After the exit of the country from the Union, goods transiting between the two poles are subject to customs and conformity controls and the resulting tariffs and duties.
With regard to the transport of goods, there are important changes to the English national legislation. The UK is removing several points:
the right of operators established in EU Member States to carry out cabotage movements when entering the UK empty;
the right of operators established in EU Member States to engage in combined transport;
the right of operators based in EU Member States to collect goods in the UK and then travel to a non-EU country to deliver those goods – using an EU licence.
In order to make triangular traffic journeys without these rights, operators based in EU Member States will need to hold a permit issued by the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT). ECMT permits support UK operators making similar triangular traffic movements between EU states and other countries.
In addition, drivers cannot use electronic devices while driving and must follow a certain code of conduct to maintain road safety.
Finally, to finance road improvement projects, the government introduced a new tax for large motor vehicles (over 2,500 kg). The tax is based on the number of CO2 emissions of the vehicle and its supply (petrol or diesel).
Also the customs rules have changed.
In the United Kingdom, incoming goods must have a customs code and a customs declaration, which must be presented before the goods arrive in the country.
In addition, if required, an import licence must accompany the goods together with a certificate of conformity.
The customs tariffs and duties applicable to the goods derive from the type of product and their nationality. In general, goods originating in the EU are subject to lower customs tariffs than those from non-EU countries.
In conclusion, because of Brexit the transportation of goods and customs rules have become more difficult but by staying updated companies can continue to trade with the UK without problems.
