Sending Pallets to Europe After Brexit

Can I send pallets to the EU after Brexit?

Yes, although there have been huge changes in the logistics industry since the UK left the EU on 1 January 2021, it is still possible to send pallets to the EU even after Brexit. Goods circulating between the UK and Europe are subject to customs clearance and duty payments. When sending pallets to Europe after Brexit, check what paperwork and other information is required for your pallet to be delivered without any issues.

How is Brexit affecting pallet shipping for businesses?

Since the UK is no longer part of the EU free trade zone, sending pallets to Europe after Brexit is not as simple as before. In the past, businesses such as e-commerce stores were able to sell products across the EU without the necessity of going through freight customs documents.
Now, businesses based in the UK need to prepare customs declarations and anticipate potentially longer transit times for imports from the EU and exports to the EU.
Read more about e-commerce shipping after Brexit.

Are pallet shipping costs to Europe higher after Brexit?

The cost of shipping a pallet to Europe after Brexit is higher due to the requirement to pay VAT, import and export duties, as well as other taxes. You will need to check what additional pallet shipping costs apply in your case as a result of Brexit.
Read more about shipping to Europe after Brexit.

Sending pallets to Ireland after Brexit

The Republic of Ireland is still a member of the EU, therefore the same import and export regulations as the rest of the EU should apply for sending pallets to Ireland from the UK after Brexit.
You can find below a list of additional information required because of Brexit for sending a pallet to the Republic of Ireland:
  • Exporter EORI Number (GB number)
  • Importer EORI Number
  • Goods value
  • Commodity code(s) – these classify goods for import and export
  • Commercial invoice
  • Pallet dimensions
  • Net and gross weight
  • VAT Number
  • Confirmed international commercial terms (Incoterms)
Read more about pallet delivery services to Ireland.

Can I still send a pallet to Northern Ireland after Brexit?

When sending pallets to Northern Ireland after Brexit, please note that there is a particular set of trading agreements in place, due to the troubled political history in this region. Under the Brexit agreement, the whole island of Ireland is treated as a free trade zone, and customs clearance takes place between Northern Ireland and the island of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
Due to these specific arrangements, the following information is required for sending pallets to Northern Ireland:
  • Exporter GB EORI Number
  • Exporter XI EORI Number
  • Importer GB EORI Number
  • Importer XI EORI Number
  • Goods description
  • Pallet dimensions
  • Net and gross weight
  • Country of origin
We advise checking official government and customs websites for further details about sending pallets to Northern Ireland.

How does pallet shipping after Brexit work with Eurosender?

Currently, Eurosender offers EU-UK groupage shipping only for businesses. These shipments require a transit document, EORI number and VAT number for export. Groupage is the easiest option for businesses shipping pallets on this route because the cargo is stored at the carrier warehouse until the receiver pays the required VAT and fees for clearance. On the other hand, in FTL shipping, the cargo is stored on the truck until clearance, which may incur costs.
Individual shippers can avail of our Van Service to send pallets between the EU and the UK. This option is also suitable for international relocations.

Sending pallets from the EU to the UK after Brexit by dedicated van – what do I need?

When booking a Van Service to send pallets to Europe after Brexit, you need to provide us with the following information:
For individuals
  • Copy of ID
  • Proof of residence, proving that you have resided in Europe (or country of origin) for a minimum period of 6 months
  • Proof that you have a visa to reside in the UK (except for English citizens)
  • List of the transported items with their value
  • You need to send us the ToR (Application for transfer of residence relief) number. You can use find more information about this on official government websites.
For businesses
  • Proforma or commercial invoice (full details including VAT and EORI number)
  • Packing list
Please note that the packing list should contain information about the sender, receiver, the item description, the value of each unit and the total value. Additionally, it should be signed by the owner of the goods.

Do pallets to the EU need to be heat treated?

Yes, since Brexit came into effect on 1 January 2021, any pallets sent from the UK into the EU need to meet the ISPM 15 standard by being recently heat treated to a certain standard, and visibly stamped with two clear markings. On the other hand, ISPM 15 rules do not apply for pallets moving within the EU.
Read more about pallet markings and what they mean.

How to book a service to send pallets to Europe after Brexit

Once you have checked the required paperwork for sending pallets to Europe after Brexit, you can book the service by following the simple steps below:

  1. Measure the dimensions and weight of your pallet.
  2. Send us a request stating the size of your shipment, the route, the desired pick-up date and any other additional requirement you may have.
  3. Our agents will contact you with a quote.
  4. Proceed with payment if you accept the quote, or ask any other further questions if you still need assistance.

Request a quote

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