roberts said: So to sum it up, treat the UK like you treat America or Switzerland, simple.
Whilst we are on the subject...
I was massively against Brexit (if it's not broken, don't fix it was my argument), but I have to say I was completely wrong. Brexit looks like it's going to be brilliant for us (the UK)
and absolutely no different for anyone else. If you are in the EU, apart from filling in an extra form to send something to the UK it would appear that everything else is a bonus -
especially considering you will likely save money on goods from the UK. Let's be honest here, customs don't check many things that come into a country and the likelihood is,
you won't have to pay your countries VAT on a majority of things you import, saving you money on most things you import from the UK (that's certainly how it's worked here
for years anyway, we seem to pay customs on around 1 in 10 parcels we import from non-EU countries).
As r.tec explained there is a massive impact, in particular in time of delivery, the fuss with paying VAT yourself, paying tariffs on orders over 150€ and having to pick-up the parcel somewhere far or pay extra to have it delivered.
.... Let's be honest here, customs don't check many things that come into a country and the likelihood is, you won't have to pay your countries VAT on a majority of things you import, saving you money on most things you import from the UK (that's certainly how it's worked here for years anyway, we seem to pay customs on around 1 in 10 parcels we import from non-EU countries).
Wrong!, UK goods that arrive here in Germany up to €22,- nothing happens. >€22,- will arrive at the customs office (for me a tour of 2x50kms, shelf fee €5,- with >10 days) where the 19% German VAT will be paid. You can have it send by post for an additional €28,50 for the service. Then you have to pay the postman, but of course you will be at home when the parcel arrives or you must drive to the post office where the parcel is shelved but earliest the next day. Additional cost and time spent. Above €150,- worth of delivery there might be additional cost. It is a state like before 1973 with the difference that there were many more customs' offices here in this country with the next being only 10kms away. I will reduce my orders with UK companies to the absolute necessary in future, it has become utmost inconvenient.
I second that - much of the convenience has disappeared with the Brits leaving. I myself will, where possible, now try to get my parts within the EU. This tariff and prove of payment sending is too much hassle for me lazy bastard
I'll check again here today with local custom authorities and come back to you with some more information.
turns out the custom authorities still have some things to sort out to give us the right answer. in the meantime, I'm disabling shipment to the UK. I'm very sorry about this situation and hopefully will be able to resume business with our friends from UK soon.
sorry for that.
I think your business form (micro business) is not well chosen for abroad business. We in Austria have the same small business category, where you don't offset your purchase tax / VAT with your fiscal authorities, right? This busness model is rather for businesses dealing locally I suppose.
Edited by MiNiKiN, 12 January 2021 - 01:10 PM.