Parcel Delivery within the European Union
Shipping and courier companies have bridged the gap between countries. An important aspect of reaching out, thriving for better business prospects and building up your business development across the globe is shrinking the distance between countries which is commendable. It is observed that within a country shipping is fine and does not involve much of formalities. Similarly sending a parcel within the same continent is easy going. Nevertheless, fewer formalities have to be followed keeping in mind that it will move to different locations and shipment finally to reach its destination. Welcome to the world of shipping and sending parcels.
Few things to keep in mind for shipping from the UK within the EU are
Custom clearance
Sending a parcel to countries in Europe that are members of the European Union is extremely straightforward. When we talk of Shipping from the UK within the EU it is not complicated as we know since the UK is an EU member and so, any goods or parcel sent or shipped within the EU are classed as ‘in free circulation’. You won’t need to attach any additional paperwork for EU parcel deliveries as your goods are not subjected to any customs regulations.
Restriction by the courier or shipping company
The restriction and prohibition laid down by the courier company differ from company to company and country to country. Certain parcels accepted by some may not be accepted by the other. In both cases, whether it is a courier company or country, if it is restricted then nothing much can be done. We need to abide by the rules laid by them.
When we talk about courier prohibition, there are a few items that fall under these categories. A quick run-through can make things more clear and help us be cautious when we send a parcel.
- Dangerous and Hazardous items such as flammable, combustible and corrosive items, including many household cleaning products such as bleach, for example.
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Restriction have always been there on sending perfume, nail varnish, and aerosols, including some deodorants.
- Money and negotiable items
- Furs and animal skins
Any cross country parcel goes through security screening checks, x-ray scan to ensure that no dangerous or prohibited goods are sent. It is advisable to check the information of the courier company on their official site on details of prohibited goods.
Country restriction and prohibitions
Similarly, rules and regulations laid by the country has to be respected in all means. As mentioned above since sending from the UK within the EU doesn’t require much documentation, we still need to ensure that your products are allowed for import into their EU destination country.
Concern from the Brexit move:
Britain has been thinking of moving out and withdrawing itself from the European Union for long. Later the Britons voted to do so in a referendum in 2016. Unable to come to a firm decision and understanding by the then government caused a delay with new deadlines and dates being prosed by the European leaders and still not arriving at a final deal. Finally, with the new government in place, it vowed to take Britain out of the bloc by that deadline, with or without a deal. The deadline has been extended to 31st January.
Information on Brexit what is known:
- On the 11th of April this year, the EU agreed to extend the deadline for Brexit to October 31st, 2019 and now it is 31st Jan 2020.
- Discussions include negotiations to decide how to ensure the UK can continue to trade freely with the EU outside the EU’s Single Market.
- With the UK exiting the EU there are certain decisions to be dealt with that can be either accepted or not. It goes like this. If a deal is made before October 31st, the UK will leave the EU with a deal in place which will outline how we’ll trade with the EU going forward.
- Till things finalize one positive point is, Goods can still travel between the UK and the rest of the EU without the need for declarations or customs checks.
- The details of this deal are unknown at this stage, however, there will be a transition period, which will enable businesses to prepare for Brexit. During this time, trading will continue as normal. The transition period is likely to last until December 2020.
Impact of the BIG move – The Brexit Move
The latest move of the UK to leave the European Union is something that has rocked the world for a moment as this will have a global impact on everything UK is a part of that include, business, shipping, logistics, etc. UK’s decision to leave the European Union will mean both positives and negatives. But there are more “unknowns” than “knowns” for UK trade and business. This does mean a lot as Europe is Britain’s most important export market and its biggest source of foreign investment, and membership in the bloc has helped London cement its position as a global financial center. With some regularity, major businesses have announced that they are leaving Britain because of Brexit or have at least threatened to do so.
How could this affect parcel deliveries to the EU?
- Customs declarations: As of now there is no custom declaration form required to send a parcel to an EU destination but post-Brexit the scenario may change.
- Duties and VAT: The different taxes and duties will be imposed and we may have to pay the customs duty and Vat on all goods moving from the UK to any EU destination.
- Inspections: Strict security checks and inspection for all goods moving in and out will be carried out during the customs checks.
- Delivery times: These security checks and formalities can the delay the delivery of the parcel on time.
- Delivery rates: Rates will definitely change because of the increased customs handling by courier companies.
- Detailed Information: It would be mandatory to give in additional detailed information on the goods and parcels being sent e.g. country of manufacture, the reason for export, etc.
What if the UK leaves the EU?
And if by any chance the UK leave the EU as decided by the government without accepting any deal laid down by the European Union, then the UK will be treated like any other country as it loses its status of a member country and their trading will come under the World Trade Organisation(rules).
A lot of uncertainties, a lot of anxiety may follow post the Brexit. Every change comes with its own concerns and worries. Things may work for some, and may not for the others. All we need to do is to wait and watch. Will Brexit be the breaking point for the UK. Time will tell us.
