Brexit and the Tibbetts Group: Your questions answered
As the United Kingdom departs the European Union, the EU very much remains at the heart of our operations, and as such, we have answered your essential Brexit questions to ensure business continues to move smoothly from 2021 and beyond.
What are my new Incoterms?
International Commercial Terms, or Incoterms are published by the International Chamber of Commerce and are an internationally recognised set of rules which clarify the required actions of customers and suppliers (you and us) when trading, with particular focus on transportation, loading, unloading, insurance, tax and duties.
There are over ten different Incoterms, but the ones which may be relevant to your business are:
Delivery at place (DAP)
This refers to the transport of goods, which places the responsibility of delivering and insuring the goods to an agreed location, on us, as the supplier. Once delivered, the goods will then move to your responsibility, together with the payment of all taxes and duties.
Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)
This is used when the transportation obligation falls on Tibbetts Group, as the supplier, together with the payment of taxes and duties, your responsibility will be in the unloading.
Ex Works (EXW)
This is used when you (or your collection company) collect the goods from the Tibbetts Group. The responsibility here falls on you to loading, transporting and insuring the goods, as well as payment of taxes and duties.
FCA (Free Carrier)
The FCA puts the responsibility on the supplier (Tibbetts Group) of goods in the delivery to an agreed destination as specified by you as the customer. The destination is generally an airport, shipping terminal, warehouse or business location. All costs associated with the delivery is dealt with by the supplier (which may be included within transportation costs). Once delivered, all goods are under the responsibility of you as the customer.
What is AN EORI number?
Also known as an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number, an EORI number is used to track and register customs information in the EU. Any trader who brings goods into the EU from a third country (the Importer) needs to have an EORI number, and from 1st January 2021, the UK will become a third country, which will mean your business may need an EORI number, which you can obtain by following the guidance from the EU.
The Tibbetts Group have been allocated EORI numbers to cover Northern Ireland, the UK and EU.
What are commodity codes?
Commodity Codes is the system used for classifying goods for the purpose of determining the tariff rates which are subject to the rules of origin.
What are my commodity codes?
We have listed your commodity codes together with the potential WTO terms across all three of our businesses:
Will there be any delays to my stock order?
Across all businesses at the Tibbetts Group, including TGL, BFC and Powell Gee, we have been in discussions with our current logistics partners to ensure the quickest and most fuss-free transportation of your goods.
Whilst at the start of January, once the UK has left the EU, we can’t guarantee there won’t be a small delay, we are on-hand to ensure all orders are processed and received as the new systems of customs and border controls get started.
What do I need to know about Customs Clearance?
Customs Clearance is the action of taking goods through the customs authority to allow the movement of goods into a country and outside of a country.
When a business requires a Customs Clearance, a document is issued by the customs authority to a shipper which indicates that all duties have been paid and the goods are clear for export.
Tibbetts Group’s Brexit Committee have ensured we, as a company, are prepared in all Incoterm scenarios, and as such, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
What extra work does my business need to do?
Ever since the UK made the decision to leave the EU, the Tibbetts Group set up a Brexit Committee to ensure every scenario we may encounter is covered to guarantee a minimal impact felt by our customers. As the United Kingdom leaves the EU on the 31st December 2020, we will continue to work with you, our customers, to continue a smooth process when doing business with the Tibbetts Group and our divisions including TGL, BFC and Powell Gee.
We’re also in the process of going through our Customs Warehousing Application with the HMRC, setting up our Tibbetts bonded warehouse which will help to mitigate a “No Deal” scenario
How does Tibbetts’ AEO status benefit my business?
Our status as an Authorised Economic Operator highlights the secure role we have within the international supply chain. Showcasing our efficient and compliant customs controls and procedures, as well as providing our customers with the continued reassurance after Brexit. Our international supply chains remain secure and controlled from the point of origin through to the final delivery destination.