EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Did you know that you could save money on your international shipments to and from the UK?
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) came into force on 1 January 2021 after the UK left the EU. While trade with the UK is different to before, the TCA ensures that goods can continue to be traded duty-free. All it takes is a simple declaration to be added to the commercial invoice.
Learn how you could benefit from the EU-UK TCA.
What’s in it for my business?
Cost savings
All goods are eligible to continue to be traded duty-free and non-tariff barriers are kept to a minimum.
Continued access
Renewed access to the UK market could mean new opportunities for your business.
Simplified, modern customs procedures
Modern customs processes allow for quick and easy release of your goods.
NOTE: The trade agreement applies to duties, not taxes. Any applicable VAT for imports into the UK or the EU still needs to be paid.
How can I benefit?
To benefit from reduced or 0% tariffs, products must be of ‘EU origin’. All it takes is a declaration. No formal certificate is required. Simply add the following to your commercial invoice (or any other commercial document) along with a detailed description of the goods as you would usually do:
Sample Statement of Origin:
(Period: from___________ to __________)
The exporter of the products covered by this document (Exporter Reference No.______) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of EU preferential origin.
__________________________________
(Place and date)
_________________________________
(Name of the Exporter)
Declarations of origin will be valid for 24 months from the date it was made out for exports to the UK.
It is essential that the declaration is filled out correctly or it may be rejected by customs. Please consult the official text of the origin declaration, which comes with explanatory notes.
The Exporter Reference No. is your Registered Exporter (REX) number. It is required for all shipments valued over €6000.
How to get a REX number
- Register online with your national customs authority.
- If you are a first-time REX user, you might want to read the REX Guidance document.
- Once you receive it, you can add your REX number to commercial invoices of shipments to the UK valued over €6000.
Trade with Northern Ireland
It’s important to note that nothing has changed for EU businesses trading with Northern Ireland. According to the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, goods moving between the EU and Northern Ireland are considered as intra-EU goods and no customs controls apply.
This means that you do not need to perform any customs formalities when moving goods to or from Northern Ireland and you can continue to trade without restrictions as before.
How can FedEx help?
Fast Intercontinental Shipping
We help your business reach its full potential. With our express parcel service, you can import from the UK and export to the UK in just 1- 2 days*.
Easy Customs Tools
Make clearance easier thanks to our free tools. With FedEx Electronic Trade Documents, reduce the risk of customs delays by submitting your documentation electronically.
Expert Knowledge
Take advantage of the Shipping Channel – a website containing easy-to-understand guides covering a wide range of topics. From paperwork and customs procedures to country-specific requirements.
* Availability of services and transit times referred to may vary depending on shipment type, origin and destination. Terms and conditions apply – visit fedex.com for full details of our services.
Always make sure to check the rules and regulations of the country you’re shipping from and to prior to shipping. Please review the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement for more information.