Import & Export Logistics Support

Whether you're importing products into the UK or shipping orders to customers around the world, international logistics can sometimes feel overwhelming. Every country has its own customs rules, taxes and paperwork, and it's often the small details that cause the biggest delays.

At Redpanda, we work with businesses importing and exporting goods every day. Whilst we don't provide customs brokerage or tax advice, we understand the process and work closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers and courier networks to help keep your products moving.
If you're new to international shipping or simply want to sense-check your plans, we're always happy to share our experience and point you towards the right guidance.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is businesses waiting until their goods are already on the water before thinking about the paperwork.

Most delays can be avoided before the shipment even leaves your supplier.

Before importing into the UK, it's worth asking yourself:

• Do I need an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number?
• Have my products been assigned the correct Commodity (Tariff) Codes?
• Have I checked what Import Duty and VAT may be payable?
• Have I agreed the correct Incoterms® with my supplier?
• Is somebody handling the customs declaration?
• Are my commercial invoices and shipping documents complete?
• Does my warehouse know when the shipment is arriving?
• Have barcode, packaging and labelling requirements been agreed before production starts?

Useful GOV.UK Guidance

• Apply for an EORI Number – https://www.gov.uk/eori
• Import Goods into the UK – https://www.gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk
• UK Trade Tariff (Commodity Codes) – https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff
• VAT Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS) – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fulfilment-house-due-diligence-scheme

Selling internationally is a fantastic way to grow your business, but every country has its own import rules and customs procedures.

Spending a little time understanding how your chosen markets operate before you start selling can save both you and your customers a lot of time, money and frustration.

Before you begin exporting, ask yourself:

• Which countries do I want to sell to?
• Are my products permitted to be imported into those countries?
• Will my customers need to pay import duty, VAT or local taxes before receiving their order?
• Does my courier offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to every destination I want to serve, or will some countries only support DAP (Delivered at Place)? Not every courier or destination supports DDP.
• If I'm selling low-value goods directly to consumers within the EU, do I need an Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) number?
• Do my products require any additional licences or documentation?
• Are my delivery charges and estimated delivery times clearly explained on my website?
• Have I planned how international returns will be handled?

Useful GOV.UK Guidance

• Export Goods from the UK – https://www.gov.uk/export-goods
• Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-the-import-one-stop-shop-scheme
• Import, Export & Customs Guidance for Businesses – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/import-export-and-customs-for-businesses-detailed-information

After working with international shipments for many years, we've found that the same issues tend to crop up again and again. Fortunately, most are easy to avoid with a little planning.
The most common are:
• Not telling overseas customers they may have to pay import duty, VAT or local taxes before their order can be delivered.
• Assuming every country accepts DDP shipments.
• Using incorrect commodity codes.
• Missing or inaccurate commercial invoices.
• Products arriving without the agreed barcode or labelling.
• Choosing a courier before checking whether they support the destination country.
• Not letting your warehouse know when inbound shipments are due to arrive.
Most of these issues can be avoided before your products even leave the supplier.

The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and should not be considered legal, tax or customs advice.
Import and export regulations vary depending on the country you're trading with, the products involved and the shipping services being used.
Before importing or exporting goods, we recommend referring to the latest guidance published by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and GOV.UK, and seeking advice from your freight forwarder, customs broker or another suitably qualified professional where appropriate.

Redpanda Fulfilment provides warehousing, fulfilment and logistics support services. We do not provide customs brokerage, tax, legal or import/export advisory services.