Practical Advice on Brexit Preparations
On 31 December 2020 the UK left the EU. There is now a customs barrier between the UK and the EU. This document outlines key areas that will impact UK eCommerce businesses with practical advice on solutions for Sellerdeck customers.
Last Updated: 4 February 2021
Disclaimer:
This document has been written by Josh Barling, General Manager of Sellerdeck, and is information gathered from multiple resources with the intention of providing practical advice to Sellerdeck customers. Sellerdeck cannot take responsibility for the way readers use and apply this information.
Who is this Document For?
- Sellerdeck Desktop customers who sell and ship goods to the EU.
- Sellerdeck will continue to monitor the required updates to our platform.
- The updates will be provided for versions 16 and 18, legacy versions will require a manual step and will not include the full feature set.
Key Areas and Actions
Sellerdeck has considered the actions required for eCommerce businesses using Sellerdeck Desktop. This document highlights the key areas and actions required to minimise the impact from Brexit.
Below are the key areas:
- Sellerdeck Desktop configuration and integrations: how does your setup affect this?
- VAT: what are the changes in relation to VAT when shipping goods to the EU?
- Shipping: what information does your carrier require to ship your orders?
- Online market places: what are the differences?
NOTE: we do not cover import, please ensure you research this separately.
While reviewing the information and considering solutions, its important to think about what you want to achieve beyond just adhering to the rules. Here are the key areas we believe you should consider:
Frictionless customer experience:
We believe the key to success in Europe is continuing with a frictionless experience for the customer, so that order volumes remain and you can invest further into the international markets.
Customer Service:
There is a chance you will face challenges which will result in unhappy customers; likely caused by delays or failed deliveries. Set expectations correctly and have processes and guidelines in place for handling frequent problems.
Profitability:
Higher shipping costs and fees will no doubt affect your profitability. Certain products or countries may no longer be viable to ship to. Ensure you are reviewing costs and analysing your profitability to make informed decisions.
New Patch Required (Available Now)
Release date – 04 February 2021
New patches for versions 16.0.8 and 18.0.6 are now available.
These patches provide the changes required for Brexit.
To find out more about the patch, please visit our knowledge base article here.
To download the patch for v18.0.6, please click here.
To download the patch for for v16.0.8, please click here
All legacy versions (v14 or below) will be a manual process and will be addressed through knowledge base articles which we will release shortly.
Sellerdeck Desktop configuration and integrations: how does your setup affect this?
Sellerdeck Desktop can be used as the entire eCommerce platform from capturing an order to fulfilling it; or used as part of the overall platform.
The impact from Brexit will affect businesses differently depending on their platforms and integrations.
The key areas to consider are:
- VAT settings and management
- This is always managed in Sellerdeck Desktop through the Business Settings (we explain this later on)
- Data held against products
- Although Sellerdeck Desktop will hold product data, if you have an integration with Sage Accounts or another platform, the Sellerdeck Desktop data may only be a mirror of these other platforms and not the master location
- Delivery Information
- Your carrier will require information about your business and the products being shipped. This must be passed to the carrier, either manually or using an integration. If you have an existing integration you will need to ensure the data is exported
ERP / Back Office Platforms
If you have an integration between Sellerdeck Desktop and an ERP or Back Office platform, then the changes required are likely to be needed within that platform.
Contact your provider if these statements are true:
- It holds the master data of products
- It processes orders (including raising invoices and delivery notes)
- It integrates with your carrier
There may be scenarios where the integration between Sellerdeck Desktop and your other systems require an update to the integration. In this situation, speak with the company who built or manages that integration. Sellerdeck Desktop has the required fields so the integration is likely to just require an update to incorporate these fields.
Sellerdeck Sage Link
Sellerdeck Desktop has an out of the box integration with Sage Accounts.
There is a new version of the Sage Link that now passes the product Trade Tariff Code (HR Code), and the Country of Origin provided it is present in the list of Values for the CountryOfOrigin variable, (AL-1112)
To download this please visit our downloads page
For more information on how to manage the data fields please visit this post on our forum
Actions:
- Speak with other platform providers if appropriate
VAT and Duties: what are the changes in relation to VAT and Duties when shipping goods to the EU?
Please note that Sellerdeck is not best placed to give advice or answer questions on VAT. Always ensure you check with qualified persons to ensure you are conforming to the laws exactly. Below is our understanding and interpretation of the changes:
From 1 January 2021 sales on goods sold to the EU will manage VAT differently.
There are two options for VAT settings depending on who will pay the VAT and Duties.
Option 1 – Delivered Duty Paid, known as DDP (you the merchant pays the VAT):
You (the merchant) or the carrier pays the tax and duties directly and prior to the customer receiving the goods. To manage VAT correctly for this method you should setup Tax Zones for each country (in the EU) and apply the appropriate VAT rate, i.e. for Germany you charge 19% VAT.
The EU will introduce a method call ‘VAT Mini One Stop Shop’ (VAT MOSS) for simplifying paying VAT to EU countries. This is due for launch 1st July 2021, but until then, if you exceed the VAT threshold, you will then need to register and submit a VAT return for each country in the EU that you sell too, above its threshold. The thresholds vary, for example Germany is €100,000. From 1st July 2021 these thresholds will be removed and replaced by VAT MOSS.
This method reduces friction and unknown costs for your European customers, but increases the effort for your business.
Option 2 – Delivered At Place, known as DAP, (previously known as Delivered Duty Unpaid – DDU) (the customer pays the VAT):
The consumer pays tax and duties at point of entry before receiving the goods. To manage VAT correctly for this method you should setup a single Tax Zone for the EU and set the VAT rate to 0%, also known as Zero-Rated VAT. Your customer will pay tax and duties at point of entry and you will not need to submit a tax return.
This method is easier for your business to setup and manage initially, although it creates friction for the customer and may result in customer service issues like returns.
In both scenarios, it is best to speak with your carrier to understand what service they can offer and what you must do to ensure a successful delivery.
You may already have a ‘Tax Zone’ created in Sellerdeck Desktop which you can amend to match the changes in VAT charges. However, if you do not, then the default installation of Sellerdeck Desktop does, so you could licence a new site or download the trial version to view the default setup.
Sellerdeck Desktop has a comprehensive system for managing VAT settings, which is controlled in the ‘Business Settings’. In this area you can manage your ‘Tax Zones’ to apply specific VAT settings to specific countries:
When selling to the EU you will need to either create a single EU Tax Zone which has zero-rated tax (You must charge VAT, but it is charged at 0%), or separate Tax Zones for each country with the VAT charge appropriate to that country.
To see how to edit and create Tax Zones, find the article ‘How do I charge different tax rates to different countries/states?’ in the software main help (Help > Help Topics > Search).
The list of countries affected by this change is in the appendix. You must ensure the correct countries are applied to the correct Tax Zone so that you charge the correct VAT.
VAT on Shipping
The VAT amount you charge on shipping should reflect the same as your products.
You can control VAT charges on shipping within ‘Business Settings’ | ‘Shipping and Handling’
Actions:
- Set up Zero-rated VAT for the entire EU or separate Tax Zones per country. Details on how to apply this in Sellerdeck Desktop can be found in the ‘Advanced Tax Setup’ article in the software main help (Help > Help Topics).
- Amend Shipping and Handling to reflect any new costs for specific zones and to change the VAT amount to match your products VAT
Shipping: what information does your carrier require?
Regardless of the shipping method you use, your carrier will require additional information to fulfil an order.
Typical Required Data for Carriers (ensure you check with your carrier)
For the best chance of success when delivering to the EU, you should provide your carrier with the information they request. Based on our understanding, we believe the below information in mandatory:
| Title | Description |
| Senders Name and Address | The merchant’s company name and registered address |
| SKU | The unique code associated with the product. The ‘product reference’ in Sellerdeck Desktop |
| Short description of goods | The product name or description |
| Quantity | The amount of product in the shipment |
| Item weight | The weight of the product. The ‘Weight in KG’ in Sellerdeck Desktop |
| Value of item | The product value |
| Currency | The currency |
| Trade Tariff Code: known as HS code or Commodity Code | To deliver goods into the EU you will need to have a HS Code (Harmonised System) for each product, which is displayed on the commercial invoice To learn more about HS codes visit – https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff It’s important to get the HS codes correct for all of your products – this will ensure you pay the correct customs tax and don’t pay more than you need to. |
| Country of Origin (product specific) | The Country of Origin of each product. For rules to establish the Country of Origin see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-of-origin |
| EORI Number | An EORI number is required to trade goods with countries outside of the EU, or to trade with the EU if a country is based outside of the EU. From 1 January 2021 you’ll need an EORI number |
The new information, previously not required, is:
- EORI number (company-specific)
- HS Code (product specific)
- Country of Origin (product specific)
Our Knowledge Base article tells you which versions of Sellerdeck Desktop will include these fields in the UI and on the commercial invoice and delivery note.
If you have an integration with your carrier, you should speak with your developer to update the integration and export the new fields into the appropriate carrier fields.
EORI Number and Licences
If you’re already selling outside the EU, then you are likely to have the required setup to ship goods to the EU when the UK leaves.
As a business, the two key pieces you require are:
- Licence for exporting certain goods
Some products require a licence to ship outside the UK. To see if your products fall into this category visit the gov.uk website page – https://www.gov.uk/starting-to-export/licences
- EORI number
An EORI number is required to trade goods with countries outside the UK, or to trade with the EU. From 1 January 2021 you’ll need an EORI number, which starts with ‘GB’.
It’s free and only takes 5 minutes to apply. Once completed, you’ll get the number either straight away or within 5 working days. To register visit – https://www.gov.uk/eori
HS Codes or Commodity Codes (known in Sellerdeck Desktop as ‘Trade Tariff Code’)
‘HS’ stands for Harmonized System and was developed by the WCO (World Customs Organization) as a multipurpose international product nomenclature that describes the type of good that is shipped.
All products have an HS Code which is used to calculate the import tax and duties.
HS Code is also known as a Commodity Code; however, it is different to a HTS Code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule), which is specific to the USA and not required in the EU.
For more information on this and to better understand the appropriate HS Code for your products, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff
Shipping Costs
Ensuring you charge the appropriate amount for shipping is key, so you should review your ‘Shipping and Handling’ configuration in Business Settings. In this area you can amend the costs of different shipping services by zone, therefore charging appropriately for EU countries:
For more information see the articles ‘How do I set up shipping charges?’ and ‘How do I charge a group of countries/states in the same way for shipping?’ in the software main help (Help > Help Topics > Search).
Delivery Details Page
There are likely to be changes in costs, delivery timescales and your terms and conditions surrounding deliveries into the EU. It’s important that you clearly display this on your delivery details page so that consumers’ expectations are correctly set; this will reduce customer service enquiries.
Delivery is becoming an increasingly important part of the buying decision and so choosing the right carrier can have a positive impact on your conversion rate.
We recommend displaying which carrier you are using and the benefits they offer, including tracking and updates.
Returns
Your carrier can offer services around this and it’s likely that you will benefit from a smooth management of returns, so we suggest you speak with your carrier and enquire about these services.
Important information on reports
If you have customized your reports (including the commercial invoice and delivery note), these are likely to require additional effort to ensure the customisation remains. You will need to contact your developer to assist with this.
Actions:
- Register for EORI number and if required a Licence for exporting certain goods (New patch required – download here)
- Add new fields to Sellerdeck Desktop and update the invoice and delivery note
- Add HS code to each product (New patch required – download here)
- Add Country of Origin to each product (New patch required – download here)
- Update delivery details page if appropriate
- Review returns policy and update returns page
Online market places: what are the differences?
There are many market places, with the two key platforms detailed below. However, most market places will follow the same approach as one of the below two:
Amazon
There is more information from Amazon on their Seller Central page – https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/gc/sell-online/brexit
There is a lot of overlap between your own website, Amazon and the requirements.
The key difference is FBA where you have the option to transfer stock between the UK and EU. You should seek advice from Amazon on how to manage this.
eBay
There is more information from eBay on their Brexit page – https://sellercentre.ebay.co.uk/news/brexit
Managing eBay orders will be very similar to your own website and it is likely to be easier to manage if you import orders into your eCommerce platform or back office system so that all orders are fulfilled from the same location and have the same data and follow the same format.
Again, use your carrier for support on delivery to the EU.
Sellerdeck Desktop eBay Extension
The Sellerdeck Desktop eBay Extension itself doesn’t require changes however the configuration may be require change. Users must ensure that any changes made to shipping and VAT in eBay are matched with corresponding changes in Sellerdeck Desktop, and vice versa.
Conclusion
Potentially the information on this page will quickly become obsolete as the Government agrees the way forward on the relationship with the EU.
Please ensure you are aware of recent changes so that the information within this page can be a piece of your overall research.
Sellerdeck wishes you the best through this challenging time and hopes that the EU will continue to be a source of orders and growth.
Summary of Actions
- Setup Zero-rated VAT for the entire EU or separate Tax Zones per country. Details on how to apply this in Sellerdeck Desktop can be found in the ‘Advanced Tax Setup’ article in the software main help (Help > Help Topics).
- Amend Shipping and Handling to reflect any new costs for specific zones and to change the VAT amount to match your products VAT
- Register for EORI number and if required a Licence for exporting certain goods (New patch required – download here)
- Add new fields to Sellerdeck Desktop and update the invoice and delivery note
- Add HS code to each product (New patch required – download here)
- Add Country of Origin to each product (New patch required – download here)
- Update delivery details page if appropriate
- Review returns policy and update returns page
- Speak with other platform providers if appropriate
Countries and a Quick VAT Clarification
Countries and territories that are part of the UK fiscal (VAT) area
The UK consists of:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- The waters within 12 nautical miles of their coastlines. Although the Isle of Man has its own VAT authority, sales to the Isle of Man are treated as any other sale within the UK.
The Channel Islands are part of the customs territory of the UK and EU, but are outside the UK and EU, for fiscal (VAT) purposes. Supplies of goods sent to the Channel Islands are regarded as exports for VAT purposes and may be zero-rated.
Countries and territories that are part of the EU fiscal (VAT) area
The following countries and territories are part of the EU fiscal (VAT) area:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus, including the British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (but excluding the United Nations buffer zone and the part of Cyprus to the north of the buffer zone, where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control)
- Czech Republic
- Denmark, except the Faroe Islands and Greenland
- Estonia
- Finland
- France, including Monaco
- Germany, except Busingen and the Isle of Heligoland
- Greece
- Hungary
- The Republic of Ireland
- Italy, except the communes of Livigno and Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Spain, including the Balearic Islands but excluding Ceuta and Melilla
- Slovenia
- Sweden
Countries and territories outside the EU fiscal (VAT) area
The following countries and territories are outside the EU fiscal (VAT) area:
- The Aland Islands
- Andorra
- The Canary Islands
- The Channel Islands
- The outermost regions of France (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion and Saint-Martin (French Republic))
- Gibraltar
- Mount Athos
- San Marino
- The Vatican City
- all other countries which do not appear in “Countries and territories that are part of the EU fiscal (VAT) area”
