All customs information for non-EU countries brought together here

Separate customs requirements apply for parcels to Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, because these are non-EU countries. If the information you send with the parcels is not correct or complete, the parcels will be returned. We want to help you avoid that, so we have brought together here the most important customs requirements for consignments to these non-EU countries.

What requirements do the invoices have to meet?

• Each parcel you send to a non-EU country must be accompanied by original invoices stating the relevant HS code and the country of origin.
• For Norway and Switzerland, you must attach three original invoices to the parcel. For parcels shipped to the United Kingdom you will need the original invoice if customs asks for it, so keep it with you at all times.
• The invoices may only be in English, German or French.
• If a consignment consists of several parcels, the invoices must be attached to the first parcel only.
• Consult the Export Manual to find out about the specific documents and requirements for each country.

Power of Attorney (POA) is essential

Parcels shipped to non-EU countries must have a legally signed Power Of Attorney (POA) before we can submit a declaration. We also need a correct EORI number.
When granting a POA, you, as the shipper, choose to have representation in the customs process. You give DPD, for example, the task of making the customs declaration under your name and at your expense. You need to arrange such a POA in writing by signing the document ‘authorisation to act as direct representative’. This must always be done by someone within your organisation who is an authorised signatory. There are also some other criteria you have to meet. For more information, go to the website of the Tax and Customs Administration.

Specific information about exports to the United Kingdom

There are four specific points to remember when shipping to the United Kingdom.

1. Changes to the list of prohibited goods.

Following the first Brexit year, the UK have made some changes to the list of goods that cannot be exported from the EU to the UK. View the new prohibited goods list here.

2. Preferential origin requires permission

If you want to apply EU preferential origin, you can only do so if you have been given permission from the UK customs authorities. To obtain this permission, you must download and complete the ‘Declaration of preferential origin DPD NL'. The further steps you need to take are explained here under no. 7.

3. Units and quantities of product per parcel required in the data

Some goods need to be entered in the customs documentation in specific units or quantities. These could be per m2, number of units, number of pairs or kg. For each parcel you need to add this specification in the goods description field [e.g. Carpet (20m2)]. We can then adjust this in our systems. Check the tariffs book of the Customs to find out the HS code and whether additional units need to be entered.

4. Amazon export to the United Kingdom

Amazon has its own requirements if you want to ship to a fulfilment centre in the UK. The most important one is that you must be registered with Amazon in order to send your consignments direct to an Amazon facility in the UK.

You have two options:

Option 1. Care Of Solution: This solution allows a business to receive correspondence at a different address. Please note that the company must provide a valid GB EORI number. That shouldn't be from Amazon. Example:

• Company Name: Poppy LTD (c/o Amazon Fulfilment)
• Address: Amazon Fulfilment adres
• EORI Number: Poppy LTD EORI GB01656015000

Option 2. Use a different IOR (Importer of Record): This solution allows the business to use a different UK tax entity as the Importer of Record, leaving the Amazon Fulfillment address as the delivery location..

Stricter customs controls in 2022

Customs will be carrying out stricter controls in 2022. During the coming months, customs in the United Kingdom will be focusing particular attention on the customs value of textiles and shoes stated on import declarations. Products that have been bought online will also receive extra attention, especially if a low value has been given to the consignment. Customs will also be carrying out more  checks on e-bikes, pipes and tubes. Read more about this on the site of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.