Since the UK regretfully left the EU on January 1st 2021 we have had to adapt to new measures to continue to serve you, our highly valued EU customers.
These new measures did of course come with some predictable initial backlogs and teething problems. However, the initial issues are now resolved, shipping services have stabilised, and we are once again able to provide a timely and efficient service across the European Union and EEA.
The short guide below outlines the few considerations that EU customers should be aware of when placing orders post-Brexit.
Additionally, we would like to reassure all of our EU customers that we are committed to making your customer experience as smooth and frictionless as possible and we are absolutely at your service to make that a reality.
No Import VAT for EU Businesses
Orders from EU businesses who provide their VAT number during purchase/checkout are now fulfilled from our new EU subsidiary in Ireland, 1st Technologies Handling (Ireland) Limited.
As you are purchasing from another EU company your order will arrive on DAP incoterms (without any customs checks or VAT payment requirements), invoiced from 1st Technologies Ireland with the following details:
Irish Company Number:
700994
VAT Number (France):
FR33904750338
VAT Number (Germany):
DE354437700
EORI Number:
IE3792956SH
Using UPS World Ease, all EU orders are cleared in to the single market by 1st Technologies' Irish subsidiary before onward delivery to you, the final customer.
Shipping times are consistent with pre-Brexit delivery timeframes and no additional delays are incurred.
Orders being shipped by Royal Mail. are not able to to benefit from being shipped via our Irish subsidiary and will be liable for import tax and duties regardless of whether the recipient is VAT registered or not.
Customers in the Republic of Ireland are unfortunately unable to use this service but will continue to be served directly from the UK.
Republic Of Ireland Customers
All customers having orders shipped to the Republic Of Ireland will now be charged the 23% Irish VAT at the checkout. All invoices will show the Irish VAT and our Irish VAT number. We will still provide you with an option to include your VAT ID on your order confirmation and invoice.
This will enable your delivery to arrive quicker as it will clear customs automatically and there are no further import fees to pay.
- You can enter your VAT or EORI number during the checkout process.
Invoices, EORI and PID Numbers
All invoices to customers outside of the UK will show no VAT. We will still provide you with an option to include your VAT ID on your order confirmation and invoice.
EORI numbers ("Personal ID" for Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) are required for orders going to business addresses within the EU or EEA.
- You can enter your EORI or PID number during the checkout process.
Delivery & EU VAT For Non-Business Customers
The parcel carrier that you select at checkout will contact you to collect the relevant VAT charges and customs clearance fees that apply to your country before they make delivery of the goods. This process is smooth and hassle-free.
VAT registered businesses can reclaim this VAT from on their regular VAT return as a domestic purchase.
We recommend UPS delivery is used for all business customers.
Clearance fees for VAT collection are as follows:
- UPS simply charges an import fee equivalent to €13 or 2.5% of the invoice VAT - whichever amount is higher.
You will receive these payment requests in the same way you currently receive tracking updates from your courier – the process is quite smooth and hassle-free. Once any outstanding charges are collected, the shipment will progress as normal and this will be reflected in your tracking history.
If the charges are not paid, the parcel will return to us and the customer will be liable for any Customs Penalties that we receive, so we ask that all customers understand the new process before placing an order.
Don't Hesitate To Ask Us
We understand that the post-Brexit order process can raise questions and concerns. Please do not hesitate for a second to contact our support team with any questions you have and we’ll be delighted to help you.
The fastest way to get in touch is to contact us at [email protected] or by phone at +44 (0)1254 878801.
A Future Closer to EU
At Bargain Hardware we wholeheartedly believe in the European single market, and we are continuously working on solutions to ensure that we can serve you on barrier-free terms.
We look forward to bringing you further updates.