Selling goods into the UK has a set-up checklist, and the good news is that most of it is our job, not yours. Here is everything involved, what we handle for you, and the small amount we need from you to get going.
In short: setting up to sell into the UK on DDP terms means UK VAT registration, a VAT-linked GB EORI, the customs side, postponed VAT accounting and compliant invoicing. We handle almost all of it. From you, we mainly need your company details, director and owner identity checks, your Incoterms® and contracts, and your product list.
| Step | What it involves | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm you need to register | Checking whether your UK sales trigger UK VAT registration (on DDP terms, they usually do) | We do; you tell us what you sell and to whom |
| 2. Register for UK VAT | Submitting your application and getting your UK VAT number | We do; you provide company details and ID (step 8) |
| 3. Get a VAT-linked GB EORI | The reference customs uses to identify you as importer, linked to your VAT number | We do |
| 4. Register for the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) | The system your customs declarations run through | We do |
| 5. Appoint and brief your customs agent | Indirect representation, first instructions, importer of record, PVA | We draft the instructions and liaise; you appoint the agent |
| 6. Set up postponed VAT accounting (PVA) | So import VAT is accounted for on your return, not paid at the border | We set it up; your agent elects it on each declaration |
| 7. Get commodity codes and customs value right | Correct classification and valuation, so you pay the right duty | We do, working with your agent |
| 8. Complete your client identity checks (KYC) | The quick online checks every UK firm must do before starting | We guide you. See what it is like working with us |
| 9. Set up compliant invoicing | Charging UK VAT correctly, VAT number and GBP on the invoice | We advise; you invoice |
| 10. Ongoing VAT returns and compliance | Quarterly returns, and we flag anything that will affect you | We do |
Just a short list:
Author: Amanda Bowles (VAT).
Reading time: about 3 minutes.
No. Most of the list is our job. We mainly need your company information, the identity checks, and your product and contract details.
Yes. You can download this checklist to share with your team and your logistics people. Download the checklist.
We can review what is in place and put right anything that was missed. See correcting past UK VAT and import errors.
Send us your details and we will take you through the checklist and handle the set-up. Contact our team.
Senior Manager
VAT
Director
Head of Indirect Tax & HR
