How we've helped businesses with customs declarations since Brexit

Nearly six months on from the UK leaving the EU, businesses are starting to get used to some of the changes post Brexit trade has seen.

One of the biggest changes for companies trading with the EU is the requirement to now submit customs declarations when exporting from or importing to the UK. This came as a shock to some businesses that now have a new factor and cost to consider with every import and export.

Business West’s export documentation team has also been getting used to the change, adding a new service to their suite, with five members of staff now trained up to help businesses with customs declarations.

“It’s been a busy 6 months getting to grips with the changes and helping businesses navigate the new landscape”, explained Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services at Business West. 

“Since the start of January we have helped around 30 companies submit over 200 customs declarations when trading with the EU. Our team has been working hard to ensure businesses keep moving despite the extra paperwork.”

Corinne Sarkissian from Leafield Environmental has used the team to help make import declarations and said: “A few weeks ago, I could not find any agent to make my import declaration for an order placed with our Italian supplier. The team offered me its services and made my life 100% easier. They have been very patient and allowed me to understand the system much better….I highly recommend them.”

As well as helping companies with declarations, the team has also put on training to help businesses understand what is needed to submit a customs declaration themselves. 

“The courses are run online and have been really popular”, continued Catherine. “It’s received good feedback and we’re happy to be able to help companies navigate these changes.”

Chris Sweeney from Bott Ltd attended the training last year and commented, “My team and I recently completed the customs declarations training with Catherine and were very impressed from start to finish with the professionalism and knowledge of the team at Business West. We wanted the flexibility of being able to complete customs declarations for ourselves if needed and this training has now given us that option.”

As lockdown restrictions start to ease and businesses continue getting used to the new normal, the team at Business West are on hand to help with the new trading requirements. To find out more about our customs declarations service and training visit this link.