General Interperative Rules

Up until the end of December 2020 the EU’s Common External Tariff applies, after which the UKs Global Tariff will apply UK-specific tariffs to imported goods. The General Interpretive Rules (GIRs) will continue to provide the legal basis under which goods are classified. The GIRs therefore apply to both the existing EU and new UK nomenclatures. Avocet Clearance have a deep understanding of tariff classification and can assist importers and exporters with any classification issues.

Determining the Customs duty payable for goods entering free circulation

Tariff Classification (along with origin) broadly determine the duty rate applied on imports into the UK. Tariff duty rates are mainly expressed as a percentage of the customs value, the other main determining factors for duty when declaring goods into free circulation are origin and values. Accuracy in all three areas is paramount in building an accurate import or export declaration and ultimately determine the amount of duty paid.