Working with Brexit: FAQ
Navigating Brexit
For our customers who work in the UK or who export or import into or out of the UK, understanding how Brexit affects your business is important.
We have gathered some of the most common questions and will continue to update this page as the full scope of the trade agreements are understood and realized.
Exel is a global company, that means we have the manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain resources available to help solve any issues surrounding Brexit. We have manufacturing in the UK, in the EU, as well as in the USA and China. Our global supply chain team are closely monitoring the situation with our Runcorn management.
To help clarify the answers, we have separated questions into three main customer categories:
- Made in the UK for the UK
- Made in the EU for the UK
- Made in the UK for the EU / rest of the world
Understanding where Exel operates
To help clarify how we can help you navigate any Brexit related issues, it is good to know that we have manufacturing facilities in the UK as well as in the EU, China, and the USA. Our UK manufacturing is located in Runcorn (WA7 3DU). Our EU manufacturing is located in Austria, Belgium, and Finland.
Required information from the consignee
Before we can make a booking, we will need the following information:
- Your EORI number, this must be stated in our commercial invoice
- The import commodity codes for the products in the UK must also be stated on the commercial invoice. Please note that the commodity codes used in the UK may be different from the EU codes. The most common codes we use are listed here as well.
- Power of attorney – for importing goods into the UK; to be completed and signed and stamped by the importer when the import clearance is made by the carrier or the carrier’s representative (customs broker). This is needed for the first shipment only, subsequent shipments will reuse this document.
- Customs pricing agreement – to be completed, signed, and stamped by the importer when the import clearance is made by the carrier or the carrier’s representative (customs broker). This is needed for the first shipment only, subsequent shipments will reuse this document.
Common customs codes when shipping from the EU
Customs code |
Description |
|---|---|
| 39169010 | Composite profiles |
| 39269097 | Machined/assembled composite products |
| 39219055 | Composite laminates |
| 85472000 | Composite insulation products |
| 39259080 | Airport composite products |
| 95069190 | Sports equipment |
| 73082000 | Assembled metal mast parts |
UK tariff numbers can be found here: https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/sections.
Made in the UK for the UK
For our UK customers who purchase goods from our UK manufacturing.
Q: Will your supply of raw materials be interrupted causing a delay or impact to our scheduled deliveries?
A: We have a stock of raw materials on hand and continue to work closely with our global supply chain team to ensure our required materials are available.
Made in the EU for the UK
We look at questions from UK customers who import our composites that were produced in the EU (Austria, Belgium, or Finland).
Q: Can you provide registry trade numbers, customs commodity codes, etc.?
A: Yes, we are happy to provide you with any required data to help complete orders, customs, or shipping needs. Our EORI numbers are:
- Austria: ATEOS1000016231
- Belgium: BE0862803617
- Finland: FI1067292-7
- UK: GB381374739000
Q: Will Exel provide / prepare export declarations for products being imported into the UK?
A: Yes. As delivery terms are agreed by customer (in the sales offer and contract), Exel will provide the necessary documents based on the delivery terms of Incoterms 2020.
When the consignee is arranging their own freight, the delivery terms used is FCA + the name of the production site. (For example, “FCA Joensuu, Finland”). Exel will then clear the goods for export. Import clearance and duties are carried out and paid for by the buyer.
When freight is arranged by Exel, the delivery term used is CIP + named place of arrival. Exel will clear the goods for export and bear the costs for export clearance and freight until the named place designated by the consignee. The import clearance and duties are carried out and paid for by the buyer.
We are happy to arrange freight upon request, and we will compare carrier costs to choose the best possible cost/service option for your delivery. In these cases the export clearance and freight costs will be included as a line item in your invoice.
Q: Will there be an increase in shipping costs to import EU products into the UK after 1.1.2021?
A: Export and import clearance costs and duties will be added to the shipment costs starting 1.1.2021 in trade from EU countries into the UK. Some carriers are adding extra fees or surcharges such as “Brexit surcharge” or “Supply chain impact surcharge,” these charges will be added into the overall freight charge.
Made in the UK for the EU / rest of the world
Here we look at questions from customers located outside of the UK who receive goods manufactured in our Runcorn factory.
Q: Can you provide registry trade numbers, custom commodity codes, etc.?
A: Yes, we are happy to provide you with any required data to help complete orders, customs, or shipping needs. Our EORI number is GB381374739000.
Q: Will your supply of raw materials to your UK factory be interrupted causing a delay or impact to our scheduled deliveries?
A: We have adequate supplies on hand and are continually working with our global supply chain team to ensure our raw materials (fibers, resins, etc.) are available as needed for production.
Q: Can we find solutions to issues with long custom delays or tariffs levied on UK products exported to the EU?
A: We are happy to work with you to determine the best solution to your needs. Our global footprint with multiple manufacturing locations in the EU provide us with options to discuss and make decisions based on the facts and needs that best serve your business.
Q: I am concerned about cost increases from tariffs, shipping costs, or exchange rates, how can Exel help?
A: We can work with you to understand your particular situation and needs to propose possible solutions. As a global manufacturer we have manufacturing location options that may provide practical solutions. We have manufacturing in the UK, in the EU, and in China and the USA, and will work with you on a case-by-case basis.