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(AR / FBO / UK Rep / EC Rep)
Developing strong relationships with your Shipping and Distributors is essential for facilitating a seamless and professional export of your product. The nature of shipping services can differ based on the INCO Terms agreed upon, whether it involves bulk shipping alone, incorporating warehousing, or extending to further distribution. This service may be provided by a single entity, although it's more common to engage with multiple companies.
An importer of record (IOR) facilitates the importation of goods into a foreign country where the importing company lacks representation or desires to retain ownership on behalf of the exporter/shipper. The IOR ensures compliance with local regulations by providing an in-country presence for the import process. Many shipping and distribution firms offer IOR services as an additional option, which can prove cost-effective. Alternatively, in Business-to-Business (B2B) scenarios, the end client may willingly assume the role of the IOR. Dedicated companies also exist, offering specialised IOR services.
Commonly referred to as Authorised Representation, an Authorised Representative (AR) is a recognised legal entity in the market where the product is sold. They are entrusted to act as a neutral intermediary between the market authorities and non-EU/non-UK Suppliers. The EU and UK no longer have mutual recognition, requiring representation for each market. CERT can provide support for both markets. The terminology for AR services varies depending on the product category and associated legislation:
AR – Most Non-food Products
FBO–Food Business Operator
RP–Responsible Person (cosmetics and pet food)
REP–Representative (medical devices)
EU Market
To report the VAT charged at the point of sale, a new declaration, ‘Import One-Stop-Shop’ (IOSS) was introduced in July 2021. This reports distance selling across EU borders of imported consignments not exceeding €150. This is for addressing B2C transactions.
UK Market
Like a registered UK business, imported products are subject to import VAT according to the valuation of imported goods for customs purposes (Notice 252). If you are not registered for VAT, you will not be able to claim it back.
A dedicated fiscal representative can address all your finance and tax requirements for the markets you are selling in.
If you plan to import any goods into the EU or into the UK, you’ll need to obtain an EORI number. It is needed when you supply information to customs authorities, for example when completing customs declarations.
What is the difference between and IOSS and EORI number?
An EU IOSS VAT number is used to keep track of how much tax your business collects from sales and allows you to remit the VAT to the European country of registration.
An EORI number is an identification number needed to export shipments from the UK and EU to keep track of shipments more smoothly.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a European environmental policy that shifts the financial and administrative/ physical responsibility of recycling from governments to businesses. According to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, EU member states now all have EPR schemes for all packaging since January 2024. Each market has to meet this obligation and it is handled on a national level.
In addition to the packaging, you may have further EPR requirements depending on the products you are exporting:
Electrical or Electronic –registration to comply with WEEE requirements
Formulated –markets have varying thresholds regarding the volume of substances you can introduce before there is a charge to offset the carbon footprint your products introduce.
More details on the points raised…There are other aspects such as patents, languages and distribution routes. There are many variables which need to be considered and vary based on your requirements, which is why we always start with a call – as this is the quickest way to find a solution that works for you.
Welcome to CERT's product information area. In order to represent your product, we need to take joint liability for your product being on the market and have legal obligations to prove the product market worthiness. The objective here is to make the best use of our first meeting and get your project progressing as quickly as possible.
We believe that communication is key and the best way is talking with someone. Our services are diverse and cover a wide range of products, so this is a quick series of questions to help us understand your business better.
Based on your answers:
1 --> You will be matched with the best regulatory professional in the team.
2 --> You will be provided with a link to their diary to schedule a call at your convenience.
3 --> Your answers are emailed to CERT's regulatory team member and yourself to make the most of our call together.
