UK EU :: New Zealand Chambers

New Zealand United Kingdom FTA concluded

Signed on 28 February 2022, this comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand’s 6th major trading partner is poised to remove many of the barriers currently impeding exporters to maximise the opportunities with this traditionally important trading nation.

Full information, including the FTA text, Rules of Origin and how exporters declare the origin of their goods, market access for services, IP protection provisions and mutual recognition of standards and qualifications click HERE.

1 July 2021: EU new e-commerce VAT rules enter into force

The new rules simplify VAT obligations and require exporters of low value exports to register and pay VAT for sales into the EU. New Zealand exporters selling direct to consumers in the EU with goods with a value less than 150 euros should register with the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) This will enable them to meet their VAT obligations for sales into any EU country through one portal. Information and registration for IOSS

General information about the new regulations - click HERE

1 January 2021: United Kingdom and European Union separate markets

Update 10 June 2021:

Since 1 January 2021 the UK is an independent market and separate customs jurisdiction to the European single market and customs union. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement became provisionally applicable on 1 January 2021.

Whilst existing conditions for trade access to the EU and Northern Ireland, for third countries, such as New Zealand, continues, there are some important factors to consider. For New Zealand exports to England, Scotland and Wales there are new registration systems for standards, customs, and sanitary/phyto-sanitary regulation.

New Zealand goods shipped to UK and then on shipped to EU (or vis versa) are subject to import and export documentation at borders, with duty and VAT payable at each import border. UK plan to establish Free Ports by January 2022.

PREPARE AHEAD of shipping your goods to ensure minimal disruption to your trade channels especially for goods shipped to either UK or EU for sale in the other market. Key considerations:

Duty: a new UK tariff applies for duty assessment for imports into England, Scotland and Wales (see UK Government link)
Customs Clearance: for EU Customs clearance you may need an EORI number and this may be required on documents eg Commercial invoice. Apply in one country – number will apply for all EU countries (EORI link below)
Sanitary/Phyto-sanitary: Check your importer is registered on IPAFFs for pre-clearance in UK in addition to TRACES for EU (see link below)
VAT: Ensure your UK and EU enterprises have UK and EU VAT numbers (see links below)
Warehousing: Expect reduced warehouse capacity late 2020 and early 2021.
- Book early. Capacity already reduced due to COVID-19 is under further pressure.
- Consider bonded store options for goods being on-shipped from UK or EU.
Shipping: Consider shipping direct to UK or EU for respective markets and AVOID transiting goods by truck (RORO/Chunnel) between EU and UK (in either direction) until new border clearance procedures well tested.
Standards & Regulations: mutual recognition ceases.
- CE Mark issued by UK standards authority will no longer be recognised in EU. Goods will need to be re-tested by an EU testing body.
- Goods exported to UK will need to be tested and require the new UKCA mark. The EU mark may continue to be used until 1 January 2022
Labelling: Goods requiring an in-market address on the label (eg. Wine) will now require both an EU and UK address.
Data: restrictions will apply regarding UK use of EU citizen data - get expert advice
Contracts: review all UK contracts which are EU law based.
IP: will need to be protected in both UK and EU. (see WIPO link below) Seek expert advice.

New Zealand and UK agencies have developed advice sites that will assist you to cope with these changes. Visit each of the sites below. Use the checklists and regularly check for updates. Keep in touch with the MPI, MFAT or NZTE Brexit desks - they have people who can help.