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Back Your easy Brexit solution

The UK formally left the EU on 31st January 2020. During the transition period until 31st December 2020, previous bilateral agreements between CH and the EU (including UK) were still in force. From 1st January 2021, these agreements were replaced by the so-called “Mind the Gap” strategy in order to maintain trade facilitation. This strategy aims at replicating the majority of the previous trade easements. Subsequently, customs formalities need to be conducted based on the new trade arrangements between CH and UK.

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​​​​​Make customs clearance a seamless experience for you 

To ensure a complete and compliant execution of cross-border shipments, Kuehne+Nagel has translated the new customs requirements into an automated and digital operating model.

By automating export and import customs procedures at an early stage, we ease the pain of data collection. That way, your customs data is ready for clearance when your shipment arrives at the CH and UK border.

Simple and straightforward, so you can focus on your business.

How does it work? Our solution digitally transfers export data from the shipper and collects import data from the consignee with an import validation process. As a result, export and import declarations are automated, in compliance with both CH and UK requirements. It also takes care of additional demands, such as the security documents, which are required for every shipment.

Do you want to keep your goods moving smoothly? 

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CH and UK customs easements after Brexit

Traders are able to utilise the postponed VAT mechanism, whereby import VAT only has to be accounted for, but not paid at the time of the entry into the UK. In addition, if goods qualify for the CH and UK Free Trade Agreement (observing the Rules of Origin ) zero duty tariffs may be applicable on both CH and UK entries. The importer is obliged to prove the preferential origin either with a “Statement on origin” or a movement certificate (EUR1) provided by the exporter.

What are the upcoming changes?

From 1st January 2022

  • UK import customs declarations required for all goods and deferred clearances no longer possible
  • Customs checks on UK imports from the EU
  • Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) mandatory for imports into the UK
  • Pre-notification for products of animal origin (POAO) and documentary checks on the UK IPAFFS system
To avoid the risk of delays with transit procedures and to reduce the associated administration, at Kuehne+Nagel we provide the service of upfront UK full frontier declarations. This means that cargo will already be UK customs cleared prior to arrival at the European port of departure.

From 1st July 2022

  • Safety and Security declarations (ENS) required for all UK imports
  • Export Health Certificate required for POAO
  • Pre-notification for Sanitary and Phytosanitary products on the UK IPAFFS system
  • Physical checks at the Border Control Posts for animals and POAO, plus plants and plant products

In addition, traders can continue to utilise the postponed VAT mechanism, whereby import VAT only has to be accounted for but not paid at the time of the entry into the UK.

If goods qualify for the Rules of Origin (RoO), zero duty tariffs may be applicable on both UK and EU entries. The importer is obliged to prove the preferential origin with a “Statement on origin” provided by the exporter, alternatively with records fulfilling the criteria defined by “Importers knowledge”.


We manage your shipments both ways. Here is what we need to submit your exports and imports declarations:

For EU exporters and importers:
Power of Attorney to authorise Kuehne+Nagel to act as the direct representative in the completion and submission of customs declarations. To be completed only once. Please contact your European Kuehne+Nagel office for further instructions.

For UK exporters:
Letter of Empowerment to authorise Kuehne+Nagel to act as the direct representative in the completion and submission of customs declarations. To be completed only once. Learn more here.

For UK importers:
Letter of Authorisation to authorise Kuehne+Nagel to act as the direct representative in the completion of UK import customs declarations and to submit shipment data to the UK HMRC customs system. This authorisation is valid for a 12-month period. Without it, we must obtain authorisation for each individual shipment, which might lead to possible delays and incur additional costs. Click here to download the template and email us the signed file.

The Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a prerequisite for customs clearance of goods in the UK.

If the shipper creates the export declaration independently, provide the Movement Reference Number (MRN) of the Export Accompanied Document (EAD) – to be inserted in the transport order – and handover the export accompanying document to Kuehne+Nagel.

Stating terms & conditions, value, quantity and description of goods. Customs duties and valued added tax are calculated based on the value of goods and currency.

Harmonised classification code of the goods.

Concise description of the goods in local language, including gross/net weight and number/type of packaging.

Value of goods and currency to calculate the import tax (duties are calculated based on weight).

Agreed delivery terms with your business partners, as they define next to the organisation of transportation, who is responsible for the customs clearance and associated costs.

If Kuehne+Nagel is not commissioned to prepare the full import declaration, provide the Entry Number (ENO) in the transport order.

Up to a value of CHF 10,300: preferential statement on the commercial invoice is accepted. As of CHF 10,300: either a movement certificate EUR1 or a preferential statement combined with the authorisation number as authorised exporter is needed.