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~ PostNL ~

PostNL International is one of the global postal/parcel However, even the best shipping company cannot make for
companies offering solutions in and out of the UK and is busy a smooth transition alone. There are many steps required by
preparing for Brexit so that customers can have as seamless the shipping customer. Companies selling across the UK-EU
a transition as possible. The Dutch-based postal company border will need to adjust shipping and returns policies.
has been working on this behind the scenes for three years;
monitoring and following the developments as they happen Here’s a simple roadmap for becoming “Brexit-ready”
and adjusting systems along the way. These changes are
communicated to customers as soon as they are known so that • Step 1: Get an EORI number
everyone operates with the right information and can prepare To ship goods into the UK from the EU, businesses must
as needed. apply for a special EORI (customs) number from the British
government. Without this, British customs brokers cannot
Much of this work is making sure the IT infrastructure is clear your goods, and you may have to pay storage fees. See
ready: updating APIs, pre-alert websites, customer-side the “useful links” in our digital edition for those online forms.
applications and correct labelling. At the same time, postal
and commercial flows into and out of the UK have to be • Step 2: Get VAT-ready
prepared, taking the required customs clearance activities If you’re selling B2C, double-check your VAT information
into account. This can, of course, vary greatly from customer as new rules apply. If you are sending to the UK, make sure

“POSTNL IS ASSUMING A HARD BREXIT. DOING THIS MEANS

PREPARING FOR THE MOST EXTREME SCENARIO, WHICH CAN BE

DOWNSHIFTED AS EVENTS ON THE GROUND CHANGE.”

to customer, depending on the items being shipped. Beyond your company is recognised by British authorities, taxable and
being a destination or origin, for PostNL customers the UK is able to carry and pay VAT. After January 1, goods entering
also a “throughway hub” for items entering the EU from Asia the UK valued under £135 will also require the collection and
and the Americas. These flows might also require redirection payment of British supply VAT. These fees are collected at
via the Netherlands. Flows from the UK into the EU will the point of sale and paid to HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue
be managed via Spring Global Delivery Solutions, PostNL’s and Customs) through the UK VAT registration. For goods
international subsidiary, which is a broker service operating in valued over £135, importers settle through the customs
13 countries around the world. declarations as is the current clearance process into the UK
from outside the EU.

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