For UK businesses looking to grow beyond the domestic market, there’s a great opportunity in exporting goods from the UK into the EU. But that opportunity comes with some inherent complications, especially in the wake of Brexit. 

So, if exporting goods from the UK is your aim, it’s imperative that you’re aware of what complexities you may face. It’s equally important to have a clear approach moving forward of how to navigate these potential pitfalls. 

Here, SEKO’s experts run through what the UK exports process entails, what challenges exporters may face, and how freight forwarding can be utilised in this endeavour. 

 

What Does Exporting from the UK Involve?

Exporting goods from the UK to the EU is the general process of selling and sending items to locations across the continent. To get to this point, though, companies need to move through a process of logistical compliance and manoeuvring to meet legal and practical requirements. 

It’s not just a question of knowing the requirements of international shipping, either. You’ll need to know the specific regulations both in the UK and in the destination EU state, and how you’ll actually move your goods through the supply chain. 

After all, the last thing you want is for your goods to be delayed or held at the border.  

Exporting typically includes preparing commercial documentation such as invoices and packing lists, determining the correct commodity codes for products, and confirming whether any export licences or restrictions apply. 

But that’s not all. Businesses also need to consider how duties, taxes, and shipping responsibilities are allocated between buyer and seller, and these are often defined through agreed Incoterms.

 

What Has Changed for UK Exports After Brexit?

Alongside 2016’s Brexit vote was a big shake up of the way goods move from the UK to the EU. In the years since, the relationship has moved away from an internal market where goods flowed seamlessly, to a formal customs-based trading relationship with the EU, akin to trading with many other non-EU markets. 

But what does that mean in practice?

For a start, it means the introduction of customs declarations for all goods moving between the UK and EU. Businesses must now provide detailed export documentation, including commodity codes and product descriptions, as well as origin data.

In the case of certain products, additional documentation may be required to support customs clearance. In some cases, these goods may qualify for duty-free treatment under the UK-EU Free Trade Agreement, provided Rules of Origin requirements are met and properly documented.

There have also been changes to VAT treatment and taxation rules, in which businesses exporting to the UK from the EU now typically need to consider UK VAT registration requirements and EORI numbers. This is particularly where goods are sold under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms.

At the same time, the UK has introduced updated VAT rules for overseas goods sold into the country, which shifts VAT collection closer to the point of sale in many cases rather than solely at import. This has also removed previous low-value reliefs and placed greater responsibility on sellers.

Broadly speaking, these changes mean that exporting is no longer a ‘light-touch’ process within Europe. Instead, businesses must now manage full customs and VAT compliance as standard practice - regardless of the value of the shipment, although VAT and customs obligations may vary depending on value thresholds and trading structure.

With this increased burden in mind, businesses are increasingly relying on third-party logistics partners, like SEKO Logistics, to assist with their export processes. 

 

How to Export Goods from the UK: Step-by-Step

Now you know what exporting from the UK involves, and what elements may contribute to an added complexity, it’s time to put this into practice. 

Here’s how you’ll want to approach exporting from the UK, step-by-step:

 

Step 1: Confirm If Your Shipment Requires Export Procedures 

The first step of exporting from the UK to the EU is to confirm whether your goods are formally classed as an export. Most commercial shipments leaving Great Britain or Northern Ireland for international markets will require export compliance, but there are exceptions.

These exceptions may include personal items, temporary exports, and certain low-value movements.

 

Step 2: Check Destination Country Requirements

Allied to the above, you’ll need to be aware of the situation in the EU destination country, too. In particular, keep an eye out for any noted restrictions on goods, any product-specific licences or certifications, or local compliance requirements. 

 

Step 3: Register for an EORI Number

To export goods legally, your business will need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This is used by customs authorities to identify your business in all import and export declarations.

Most UK exporters require a GB EORI number to move goods internationally from Great Britain, and it is typically needed before you can submit customs paperwork or move goods internationally.

 

Step 4: Classify Your Goods Correctly

Since the Brexit changes, your exported products will need a commodity (HS) code. This determines the duty rates in the destination country, whether export/import restrictions apply and what documentation is required.

Here, it’s imperative that you make an accurate classification. If you submit an error, it can lead to delays, unexpected charges, or even customs rejection.

 

Step 5: Agree Commercial Terms (Incoterms)

Before shipping, you need to agree with your buyer who is responsible for what during transit. This is defined using Incoterms, which set out who arranges transport, who pays duties and taxes, and where risk transfers between seller and buyer.

Common examples of Incoterms that would apply in UK to EU exports include:

 

Step 6: Arrange Customs Clearance and Transport

The next step of the UK to EU exporting process is arranging the customs clearance, and how your goods will be transported. 

For customs clearance, accurate documentation is critical. This typically includes:

  • Commercial invoice (with values, HS codes, and Incoterms)

  • Packing list

  • Export declarations

  • Any required licences or certificates

  • Proof of origin (where applicable for trade agreements)

Once documentation is prepared, goods must be submitted for customs clearance before export. This is done through the relevant customs systems and may be managed directly by your business or handled by an outside logistics provider like SEKO.

Here, it’s also important to confirm that your customer or receiving party can legally import the goods into their country. That means, on their end, they will need to:

  • Complete import declarations

  • Pay any relevant local duties or taxes

  • Hold relevant licences or approvals

Clear communication between you as the exporter and the importer will help prevent issues at the destination border.

At this stage, you’ll also organise transportation. Many businesses choose between courier services for smaller shipments and freight forwarders for larger, multi-leg, or high-value exports.

 

How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarding Partner

For many UK exporters, working with a freight forwarder is a key part of keeping shipments moving smoothly and compliantly. A freight forwarder can act as the central link between your business and customs authorities.

A strong freight forwarding partner will coordinate international transport across air, sea, or road, while also handling customs declarations and ensuring all required paperwork aligns with export regulations. This is especially valuable when dealing with complex supply chains.

When selecting a provider, consider factors such as global network coverage, reliability, and expertise in customs compliance. Increasingly, technology and real-time tracking capabilities are also key.

Explore our guide on how to choose international freight forwarders to aid you in this choice. 

 

Step 7: Retain Records and Proof of Export

After shipment, exporters should retain all relevant records, including invoices, customs declarations, and proof that goods have left the UK.

This is particularly important for VAT compliance, as exports are typically zero-rated but must be supported by evidence of export in the event of an audit.

 

Step 8: Monitor and Optimise the Process

As exporting becomes a regular activity, businesses often refine their processes to improve speed and minimise errors.

Working with logistics partners can help you improve documentation workflows and standardising shipping methods across markets.

 

SEKO Logistics: Your Trusted Partner for Exports in the UK

As we have broached in this guide, exporting from the UK requires careful coordination, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be complex. This is true even after the sweeping changes that Brexit triggered. 

With the right partner, businesses can reduce your administrative burden as exporters and ensure goods move efficiently through customs and into the EU market.

At SEKO Logistics, we support exporters with an extensive global network and end-to-end ecommerce logistics solutions, including:

Contact our team of logistics experts today to discuss how we can help streamline your exporting operations and help your goods reach their destination.