GLS / Shipping / International parcels / Parcels to UK

Despite the changes brought about by Brexit, the United Kingdom remains one of the most important export markets for Polish businesses. Although the UK’s economy has faced certain difficulties since the country’s departure from the European Union, it remains the largest economy on the continent. Exporting to the UK is therefore particularly attractive for Polish manufacturers, distributors and online retailers.
At the same time, exporting to the UK today differs significantly from shipments within the European Union. Additional customs formalities require the proper preparation of documents and cooperation with an experienced logistics partner – such as GLS.

Brexit has changed the rules of trade between the European Union and the UK, but it has not diminished the importance of the British market for Polish businesses. Although the UK economy has had to adapt to the new realities, Polish exports to the UK continue to hold a strong position. Products such as foodstuffs, interior design items, building materials, cosmetics, industrial parts and electronics are in high demand.

The importance of the UK market for Polish businesses also stems from the presence of a large community of Polish origin in the UK. According to estimates, there are still around one million people born in Poland living in the UK, which is why many companies are expanding their sales there in both B2B and B2C models. Exporting goods to the UK remains an opportunity to boost sales and build a strong position outside the domestic market – provided the logistics process is properly organised.

Exports to the UK after Brexit

Brexit has changed the rules of trade between the European Union and the UK, but it has not diminished the importance of the British market for Polish businesses. Although the UK economy has had to adapt to the new realities, Polish exports to the UK continue to hold a strong position. Products such as foodstuffs, interior design items, building materials, cosmetics, industrial parts and electronics are in high demand.

The importance of the UK market for Polish businesses also stems from the presence of a large community of Polish origin in the UK. According to estimates, there are still around one million people born in Poland living in the UK, which is why many companies are expanding their sales there in both B2B and B2C models. Exporting goods to the UK remains an opportunity to boost sales and build a strong position outside the domestic market – provided the logistics process is properly organised.

What has changed for companies shipping goods to the UK?

The biggest change resulting from Brexit was the UK being classified as a third country under European Union regulations. This means that shipping goods to the UK now involves additional administrative and customs obligations. The transport of goods to England continues to run smoothly, but requires the documentation to be prepared correctly before the consignment is dispatched.

The most important changes include:

• mandatory customs clearance – exports to the UK following Brexit require a customs declaration for most commercial consignments;
• the need to prepare commercial documents – the consignment must be accompanied by an appropriate invoice and a detailed description of the goods;
• an EORI number – a trader exporting goods outside the European Union should hold an identification number used in customs procedures;
• calculation of import taxes and duties – the method of settlement depends on the terms of sale and the applicable Incoterms;
• greater importance of accurate data – errors in documents may prolong clearance and affect the delivery date of the consignment.

When do sales to the UK require customs clearance?

Since 2021, sales to the UK following Brexit generally require customs clearance. This applies to most commercial consignments sent from Poland to England, Scotland and Wales. An exception is made for consignments destined for Northern Ireland, which operates under different rules resulting from agreements between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
As part of the customs clearance process, businesses are required to prepare the relevant documentation, include the EORI number and provide the necessary details. All of this naturally affects delivery times, so it is worth ensuring that all information is complete right from the point of dispatch.

How to prepare a consignment for shipment to the UK?

When planning to export to the UK, you should prepare all the necessary details before dispatching the consignment. This will facilitate customs clearance and ensure the shipment is handled more efficiently.

Documents, recipient details and description of goods

Preparing a consignment for the UK requires more than just packing the goods properly. It is important to compile all the documents and details necessary for smooth customs clearance. These must be complete, up to date and consistent with the actual contents of the consignment.

The following must be verified first and foremost:

• sender and recipient details – full company names, addresses and contact details;
• a detailed description of the goods – this should include, amongst other things, the product name, quantity, intended use and value of each item;
• the Harmonised System (HS) code – this facilitates the correct classification of goods during clearance;
• the commercial value of the consignment – this should correspond to the actual value of the products being sold;
• the country of origin of the goods – this information is essential for customs clearance and the application of relevant trade preferences.
• Authorisation for GLS – to carry out customs procedures, which must be completed before dispatching the first consignment.

Well-prepared and complete documentation allows for faster completion of export procedures and increases the predictability of the entire delivery process.

EORI number, commercial invoice and country of origin

Based on the EORI number, commercial invoice and country of origin, customs authorities verify the consignment and determine how it is to be cleared. Correct preparation of this documentation therefore enables customs clearance to be carried out more efficiently and prevents delays in the service.

EORI number

This is a unique identification number for businesses used in dealings with customs authorities within the European Union. It is essential when exporting goods outside the EU. It can be obtained free of charge via the Electronic Tax and Customs Services Platform (PUESC). Once issued, the number is used for customs declarations.

Commercial invoice

This is the primary document used during customs clearance. The commercial invoice must include, amongst other things, the details of the seller and the recipient, a precise description of the products, their quantity, value, currency and delivery terms. For non-commercial consignments, a pro forma invoice is used.

Country of origin of the goods

Information on the product’s country of origin is important for determining customs duties and eligibility for preferences under the trade agreement between the EU and the UK. It is therefore worth ensuring that this is correctly stated at the document preparation stage.

Export costs and payment by the recipient

One of the most frequently asked questions when planning an export to England concerns the costs associated with customs clearance. In addition to the transport cost, you must also take into account any VAT, customs duty and administrative charges arising from the regulations governing the import of goods into the UK.

Who bears the various costs depends primarily on the agreed terms of sale. It is therefore advisable to clearly define the settlement arrangements between the seller and the buyer before dispatch. The international Incoterms® rules, which set out the obligations of both parties to the transaction, are helpful in this regard.

Who pays customs duty, VAT and import charges?

There is no single answer to this question. Responsibility for paying import charges depends on the commercial terms agreed by the parties to the transaction. Businesses most often use the Incoterms rules, which specify the point at which responsibility for the goods is transferred and the obligation to cover import-related costs.

GLS also supports companies exporting to the UK in this regard. Thanks to Incoterms®25, we can determine customs and tax charges even before dispatch. The recipient receives a secure link for online payment and is informed of the full cost of importation before the parcel is delivered – including customs duty, UK VAT and the Admin Fee. This reduces the risk of the parcel not being collected or the costs being passed on to the sender.

How can you avoid confusion at the time of delivery?

Most problems when exporting to the UK arise not from the transport itself, but from incomplete documentation or unclear settlement rules. It is worth ensuring that all the recipient’s details are up to date, that the description of the goods matches the actual contents of the consignment, and that the documents are prepared in accordance with the requirements of UK customs.

Choosing an experienced logistics provider is also crucial. GLS has been handling exports to the UK for many years and utilises tried-and-tested processes to support shipments requiring customs clearance. Both the sender and the recipient can track the shipment at every stage of transport, which increases the predictability of the entire process.

How can you minimise the risks when exporting to the UK?

Exporting to the UK doesn’t have to be complicated. The key to efficient shipments lies in preparing the correct documentation and working with a logistics partner who is well versed in the requirements for trade following Brexit. This allows you to focus on growing your sales, whilst leaving transport matters to the specialists.

Transparency is also vital. All charges should be calculated and paid by the recipient before dispatch and delivery.

Checking documents and shipment details

Verifying the recipient’s details, commercial documents, EORI number and description of goods helps minimise the risk of errors that could delay customs clearance.

GLS supports businesses through proven export handling processes. Our many years of experience in the European market, knowledge of local requirements and extensive logistics network mean we can efficiently handle exports to the UK for both manufacturers and online retailers.

A permanent solution for regular business shipments

If you regularly export goods to the UK, choose a solution tailored to your business’s needs. GLS handles both one-off shipments and regular business shipments. We guarantee express delivery times, parcel tracking and support at every stage of our partnership.

GLS’s international road network, knowledge of local markets and flexible approach to businesses’ needs make it easier to grow your overseas sales. Contact us to find out how we can help your business safely expand its exports to the UK.