Import

On January 1st 2021 a free trade agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom has gone into effect, which will alter the way goods can be imported into the United Kingdom from the European Union and vice versa. The changes outlined below pertain to the import of goods using preferential rates.

When goods are bought or sold "Ex Works" (EXW) it means that the Seller is making the goods available at their factory or warehouse. The buyer is then free to come and pick up the goods. Ex Works places full responsibility for cost and risk with the buyer, as the buyer has to arrange everything.

When goods are bought or sold “Free on Board” (FOB) it means that the seller delivers the goods to a ship at a port previously agreed to by the seller and the buyer. The seller loads the goods onto the ship. The buyer then takes care of the import formalities and transportation to the final destination. Free on Board is one of the oldest Incoterms. It dates back to when goods were carried by sailing ships and it was one of the terms when the Incoterms were first released in 1936. It is also one of the most used commercial terms.

Since January 2020 the Incoterms 2020 are in effect. Every ten years these Incoterms are updated.

When goods are bought or sold “Delivery Duty Paid” (DDP) it means that the Seller delivers the goods to a place previously agreed to by the seller and the buyer. This can be any location. The agreed place of delivery (e.g. the terminal) needs to be specifically named.

In 2019 a new version of the Incoterms was released. Companies are now advised to use Incoterms 2020.

When goods are bought or sold “Delivery at Terminal” (DAT) it means that the Seller delivers the goods to a terminal at destination previously agreed to by the seller and the buyer. This can also be a road transportation hub or a quay.

When goods are bought or sold “Carriage and Insurance Paid” (CIP) it means that the Seller delivers the goods to a destination previously agreed to by the seller and the buyer.

When you import goods into the European Union you have to bring them into Free Circulation. Free Circulation implies non-Union goods which have been cleared by European customs, allowing you to sell or utilise these goods within countries in the European Union.