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From April 30, 2024, the UK government has introduced a Common User Charge for certain imports. This charge applies to animal products, plants and plant products that enter the UK via the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel and are subject to inspection at government-operated inspection posts.
The charge varies depending on the risk level of the goods and is particularly relevant for companies exporting the above products to the UK. Matthias Exner, our expert on international customs issues, answers the most important questions about the new charge.
Who has to pay the charge?
“Probably the most important answer right at the beginning: the charge is always invoiced to the importer. For example, if companies import animal products into the UK, they will receive a digital invoice from the relevant UK authorities. If this is not the case, customers or dealers in the UK will have to pay.”
How does the importer get an overview of the costs?
“To support companies, the first digital invoices will be issued in arrears during the year. Thereafter, digital invoices will be issued in arrears on a monthly basis. Further details on the administration of the charge and what support is available for companies to pay the charge are set out in relevant guidelines.”
Learn more about the guidelines https://www.gov.uk/guidance/common-user-charge-rates-and-eligibility
Why do the charges only apply at the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel?
“The Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel in Folkestone are both under government control. Both facilities are therefore entitled to collect the charges. Private ports such as Felixstowe and Immingham have not yet published charges. However, it is likely that the private operators will follow suit. We are still awaiting new information on this.”
How does a company find out which port of entry is being used in the UK?
“A good 90 percent of our full loads to the UK are sent via Rotterdam to Felixstowe or Immingham. Here, only the trailers of the trucks are loaded onto the freighters. Special trips and part loads are shipped via Dover or Folkestone, including the tractor units. In addition, our scheduling teams inform the British importers and customs agents about the port of entry in the UK so that import customs clearance is completed on time.”
Further information on the Common User Charge and customs clearance to the UK is available on request from our logistics experts.
