Supplying European Customers After Brexit
Continuing to Supply European Customers
Brexit introduced new customs procedures and documentation requirements for trade between the UK and the European Union. While exporting has become more complex, UK manufacturers continue to supply European customers successfully by planning ahead and ensuring the correct documentation accompanies every shipment.
At Advance Flavour Solutions, we continue to manufacture in the UK and supply customers across Europe. Our experience has shown that most challenges can be avoided through preparation, clear communication and an understanding of the export process.
Common Concerns from European Customers
European customers often have similar questions when considering a UK supplier.
Will there be additional customs charges? How long will deliveries take? What paperwork is required? Will goods be delayed at the border?
These are understandable concerns, particularly for businesses that rely on consistent supply for manufacturing or distribution.
In practice, successful exports depend on accurate documentation, correct customs declarations and ensuring both the exporter and importer understand their respective responsibilities before goods are dispatched.
Discussing these requirements at the quotation stage can help prevent delays and avoid unexpected costs later in the process.
Understanding Proof of Origin
One area that often causes confusion is Proof of Origin.
Proof of Origin does not simply refer to where goods are shipped from. Instead, it demonstrates that products satisfy the relevant Rules of Origin under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Where products qualify and the appropriate origin statement is provided, European importers may be able to claim preferential tariff treatment, potentially reducing or eliminating import duty.
Manufacturers should maintain accurate production records and understand how their products meet the applicable origin requirements before making any declarations.
What About EUR1 Certificates?
Many overseas customers still ask whether a EUR1 certificate is required for goods exported from the UK.
Following Brexit, UK-EU trade generally relies on origin statements made by the exporter rather than EUR1 movement certificates for claiming preferential tariffs under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
However, customs procedures differ between countries and trading arrangements can vary depending on the destination and nature of the goods. Exporters should always confirm the documentation required for each shipment and ensure customers understand what information they may need for customs clearance.
Reducing Import Duty
One of the key benefits of providing the correct origin documentation is that it may allow eligible goods to benefit from reduced or zero customs duty.
For European customers importing regularly, this can have a significant impact on the overall landed cost of products.
Accurate commodity codes, complete customs documentation and correctly prepared origin statements all contribute to a smoother import process and help customers take advantage of any available preferential treatment.
Planning Ahead Makes the Difference
Successful exports begin well before products leave the warehouse.
Manufacturers should consider export requirements during production planning, allowing sufficient time for quality assurance, documentation, customs preparation and freight booking. Customers should also be informed about any documentation or import procedures they will need to complete once goods arrive.
Taking a proactive approach helps reduce delays, improves supply chain reliability and gives overseas customers greater confidence when sourcing from UK manufacturers.
Key considerations include:
Product origin and supporting records
Customs documentation
Commodity codes
Freight lead times
Import requirements within the destination country
Clear communication between exporter, freight provider and customer
How Advance Flavour Solutions Supports International Customers
Advance Flavour Solutions supplies customers in more than 20 international markets, including across Europe. Alongside UK manufacturing, we support customers with the practical aspects of international supply, helping ensure products are manufactured, documented and prepared for export.
Our wider capabilities include Quality & Compliance, Analytical Services, Nicotine Dilutions, Vape Flavour Systems, Nicotine Pouch Flavour Systems and International Manufacturing & Export Support, allowing customers to work with a single technical partner throughout the product development and export process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UK manufacturers continue to export nicotine products to European customers, although exports now require customs procedures and appropriate documentation.
Proof of Origin demonstrates that goods satisfy the relevant Rules of Origin under the applicable trade agreement, allowing importers to claim preferential tariff treatment where eligible.
For most UK-EU trade under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, exporters use origin statements rather than EUR1 certificates. Requirements can vary depending on the destination and trading arrangement.
Yes. Where goods qualify and the correct documentation is provided, importers may benefit from reduced or zero customs duty under the relevant trade agreement.
Preparing documentation, confirming customs requirements and communicating with customers before dispatch helps minimise delays and supports a more efficient export process.