Need to send a parcel to EU?, #DontWorryJustBeHappy, check the Post-Brexit Requirement!
EU countries customs may return a parcel from the UK with a declared value of
0 because, following Brexit, all goods entering the EU from a non-EU country (including the UK) are subject to full customs controls and must have a clear, verifiable monetary value for taxation and security purposes.
🚫 Why a “0” Value Causes Problems
After Brexit, the UK is now treated as a third country by EU members like Spain, meaning all goods sent across the border must clear customs. A key part of this process is accurately declaring the value of the contents.
· Mandatory Declarations: You must complete a customs form (CN22 or CN23) for any parcel containing goods sent from Spain to the UK.
· Value Determines Taxes: Customs authorities use the declared value to calculate whether the recipient needs to pay VAT or customs duties. A declaration of “0” makes this process impossible and violates regulations.
· Strict Enforcement: As one real-world example shows, a parcel sent from the UK to Ireland was returned because the sender declared a value of £0.00, which the destination postal service did not accept.
✍️ How to Correctly Send a Parcel Post-Brexit
To ensure your parcel reaches its destination, you’ll need to provide the correct information.
Key Steps for Your Next Parcel
· Accurately Declare Value: Provide the true commercial value of the goods. For gifts, this is usually the cost price.
· Complete Customs Forms: Attach a fully and accurately completed CN22 or CN23 form to your parcel.
· Use Online Tools: Consider using the postal service’s online systems (like “Click & Post” or “Click&Drop” mentioned in the context of other postal services) to complete the customs declaration digitally before going to the post office, which can help avoid errors.
Here is a quick overview of what has changed and what you now need to do:
Aspect Post-Brexit Requirement
Customs Declaration Mandatory for goods (CN22/CN23 form).
Declared Value Must be the actual value; cannot be £0.
Potential for Taxes Recipient may need to pay VAT/duties before delivery.
Should you need to check specific prohibited items or weight limits for your shipment, you can find that information on the Correos website for example for Spain.