🇪🇺 EU (Germany) → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

EU Export Certifications

No general export certification. Dual-use items: export license from national authority. Sanctions compliance: must screen all parties against EU sanctions lists.

Required Export Documents (EU)

Export declaration (ECS electronic), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Certificate of Origin, Export License for dual-use items (EU 2021/821).

Submit Export Declaration via ECS

Export declaration filed electronically via Export Control System (ECS). Pre-departure declaration required. Customs issues export permit (MRN — Movement Reference Number).

Prepare Export Documents

Export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin (if needed), export license (for dual-use/controlled items).

Submit Export Declaration via ECS

Export declaration filed electronically via Export Control System (ECS). Pre-departure declaration required. Customs issues export permit (MRN — Movement Reference Number).

Prepare Export Documents

Export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin (if needed), export license (for dual-use/controlled items).

Shipping Timeline from EU

EU → China: Ocean 25-35 days, $2,500-4,500/FEU. EU → US: Ocean 10-14 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. EU → Japan: Ocean 25-35 days, $2,500-4,000/FEU.

Shipping Timeline to EU

From China: Ocean (Shanghai→Rotterdam) 25-35 days via Suez, $2,500-4,500/FEU. Air 2-3 days, $4-7/kg. From US: Ocean (NY→Rotterdam) 10-14 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. Air 1-2 days, $3-6/kg. From Japan: Ocean (Tokyo→Hamburg) 25-35 days via Suez, $2,500-4,000/FEU. From Korea: Ocean 25-32 days, $2,200-3,800/FEU. Customs clearance: 1-3 days typical.

Shipping Timeline from UK

UK → China: 25-35 days. UK → US: 10-20 days. UK → EU: 2-5 days. UK → Japan: 25-35 days.

Shipping Timeline to UK

From China: 25-35 days ocean. From US: 10-20 days. From Japan: 25-35 days. From EU: 2-5 days (but full customs post-Brexit). Clearance: 1-3 days.

Required Import Documents (UK)

Import declaration (CDS), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Certificate of Origin, UKCA/CE conformity docs, Import License (if controlled), EORI number, Entry Summary Declaration (from non-EU).

Import Declaration via CDS

Customs Declaration Service (replaced CHIEF in 2023). Steps: obtain EORI → file declaration → classify goods → pay duty + VAT → border check → release. Post-Brexit: full customs required for EU imports too.

UK Global Tariff — Electronics (HS 85)

ITA member: most electronics 0%. Independent UK Global Tariff (UKGT) post-Brexit. FTAs: UK-Japan CEPA (2021), UK-Korea FTA (2021), UK-CPTPP (2024), UK-EU TCA (zero tariff with rules of origin). No UK-China FTA. No UK-US FTA. Chinese/US goods: MFN rates.

UK VAT — 20%

Standard rate: 20%. Calculated on (CIF + duty). No low-value exemption (removed 2021). Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) available: declare on VAT return instead of paying at border. Improves cash flow.

UKCA Mark (UK Conformity Assessed)

UK's post-Brexit product marking. For electronics: Electrical Equipment Safety Regs 2016, EMC Regs 2016, Radio Equipment Regs 2017. CE marking is now accepted INDEFINITELY in Great Britain for 21 product regulation categories (Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024, in force October 1, 2024). Businesses can use either UKCA or CE marking when placing products on the GB market. A fast-track UKCA process exists where meeting EU Essential Requirements satisfies UKCA requirements. EXCEPTIONS: medical devices (CE accepted until 2028-2030 depending on device type, per MHRA), construction products (separate indefinite CE recognition enacted September 2024), marine equipment, rail products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, unmanned aircraft — each has sector-specific arrangements. Northern Ireland: CE mark still valid (Windsor Framework). Self-declaration for most electronics, UK Approved Bodies for some.