1. How have European repatriation removals changed? Everything you need to know
Moving back to Europe from the UK has recently become a much more challenging process thanks to the fallout around Brexit. The UK officially left the European Union on the 31st December 2020 and separated itself from a relationship that had spanned almost 50 years.
For people residing in the UK who are looking to repatriate back to their European country, things are tricky, particularly if they want to take their belongings with them. This guide will outline what has changed and offer advice on the safest method for European repatriation removals.
Legal changes to European repatriation removals
When you move to another country with your belongings on a permanent basis, you’re not only moving your residence but also, strictly speaking, exporting and importing goods. As the UK is now a sovereign state outside of EU jurisdiction, you will require customs clearances for your belongings.
In real terms, this means there will be a lot more legal red tape to clear and reams of paperwork for all of your belongings, as well as possible charges if you intend to move back to Europe from the UK.
What this means for European repatriation removals
If you intend to move your furniture from the UK back to Europe, you will need to provide customs clearance for every item. This will involve meticulous inventories of your belongings as well as pricing your furniture.
If you plan on hiring a removals company for this job, they will need to be registered with the HMRC as an economic operator that holds an EORI number. They will also need to be registered with the relevant European authorities to ensure that everything is above board.
What happens if you don’t follow the new European repatriation regulations?
Clearing customs is an important part of the border process between the UK and EU, and doing it wrong or not doing it all can have disastrous consequences. In short, without customs clearance, your belongings will not be able to leave the UK.
If you attempt to enter an EU country from the UK with undeclared goods, you run the risk of lost belongings and possible fines. This is also true for the vehicle carrying your goods – it will need to be fully licenced, insured and covered to travel between the UK and EU or it will be seized.
How to perform European repatriation removals safely
The safest approach to repatriating from the UK to the EU is by using a reputable courier that has an established track record in hauling goods between the two places. It is vital that the removal company that you use pays taxes, performs customs clearances and adheres to all of the regulations at the border. Otherwise, you could end up with extensive delays and the possible impounding of your belongings.
If you would like to know more about European repatriation removals or require the assistance of a professional removals service between the UK and EU, contact Cheerful Removals today.
