Export documents : specific measures for the United Kingdom

The UK is considered a third country following its exit from the European Union and the signing of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. While the free trade agreement allows both entities to enjoy preferential tariffs, it puts an end to the free movement of goods, services and people. Customs formalities have therefore been reintroduced. 
So if you want to export to the UK, not only will you have to prepare all the documents required for export to a third country, you will also have to comply with local standards.

Consult our section "Export documents" to find out which documents you need when exporting to a third country.

Below, you will find some specific points to bear in mind when importing and exporting goods to and from the UK.

Customs declaration

On the EU side, the declaration is made via the Single Administrative Document. On the UK side, customs declarations are made using a software application that submits declarations online. The UK government's website features a list of developers offering this service.

In addition, from 31 October 2024, an Entry Summary Declaration will be required for all goods imported from the EU into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). This declaration will contain information on the safety and security of your goods. Until then, any goods for which such a declaration was not required before 1 January 2021 will be able to cross the border without this formality.

Consider outsourcing these procedures to customs representatives.

Licences and certificates

Check whether your goods are subject to any restrictions or require specific authorisation before arriving in the UK or, conversely, before reaching the EU.

The TARIC database, made available to companies by the European Commission, will help you to determine whether or not special measures need to be taken for the product in question.

Please note that products exported to the UK must be certified by UK bodies.

The following is a list of products for which an export certificate or licence may be required:

• animals and animal products
• plants and plant-based products
• food products considered high-risk
• medication
• certain industrial products and chemicals
• war equipment, weapons and ammunition
• etc.

The full list can be found on the British government website.

Companies that were exporting to the UK before Brexit must check whether the authorisations they obtained are still valid.

ATA Carnet

The ATA Carnet is useful for temporary imports and exports of non-perishable goods to ATA member countries. It is valid in over 70 countries for one year and the UK is one of these countries. For temporary exports to the UK, the carnet must be written in English.

Please note that if you are importing goods into the UK from a border location using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service, you will need to register with this service beforehand, otherwise your goods will not be able to cross the border.

For further information, please refer to the "Export documents" section on this website or the website of the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce