BREXIT UPDATE: UK Officially Leave the EU on 31st January 2020


It is official; the UK will leave the EU on 31st January 2020. The UK will enter the transition period from 1st February 2020 until 31st December 2020.

The EU President (Ursula von der Leye) and Boris Johnson have now signed the WAB (The Withdrawal Agreement) which just anticipates approval from the EU parliament. The WAB warrants the UK leave the EU in methodically and provides a transition period.

The transition period will commence on the 1st February 2020, and conclude on 31st December 2020. In this time, nothing changes and existing agreements remain the same.

The most important part of this transition period for our customers, is that trade remains as present. There is no need for amendments when shipping goods to and from Europe until the commencement of the transition period at the end of 2020.

This period allows time for the UK and EU to consult the prospective relationship. We understand the concerns of our customers, partners and colleagues of what Brexit will mean for us all.

We will continue to keep you updated with an important Brexit News.

Chinese New Year – Extention

Dear Customers,

Please be advised that the China Government officials have announced the Chinese New Year holidays will be extend to below period due to Novel Coronavirus problem in China.

Shanghai/Ningbo will be extend to Feb 9, 2020 and resume work from Feb 10, 2020

Thank you for you patience.

Sea Freight

WARNING: UK Port Closures

Dear Customer,

Due to the progressive bad weather recently the ports have been closing for short periods of time. In spite of this, we are sorry to notify that there will be longer closures. The closures will affect both FCL and LCL operations.

In recent weeks there has been an increase in volume of containers coming on vessels, which has subsequently put pressure on the port/unpacking stations which are becoming increasingly congested. They are doing their best to get operations running smoothly again by extending hours and working weekends.

We will continue to keep you all informed regarding your shipments

Thank you for your patience.

AEO

What is AEO?

AEO stands for: Authorised Economic Operator for imports and exports

What Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is

AEO status is an internationally recognised quality mark that shows your:

  • role in the international supply chain is secure
  • customs controls and procedures are efficient and meet EU standards

It’s not mandatory, but gives quicker access to some simplified customs procedures and, in some cases, the right to ‘fast-track’ your shipments through some customs and safety and security procedures.” ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/authorised-economic-operator-certification#what-authorised-economic-operator-aeo-status-is )

If you need any further information on AEO please click here

Sea Freight

IMO 2020- Surcharge Explained

Dear all our Customers,

As some of you may be aware, there has recently been new IMO2020 regulations. The IMO2020 regulations stand for the transition of environmentally aware low sulphur fuel. Shipping lines have announced they will charge the environmental fuel fee (EFF) from December 1st 2019. Therefore, this surcharge will now appear in our costings whether this is quotations, invoicing etc.

Please be aware this surcharge will vary depending on shipping line. However, Sandford Freight will continue to ensure we are providing the best cost and service possible.

Any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with our sea freight shipping team.

Brexit Update – TSP and Importing to the UK from the EU

As the UK continues to battle between deals and a potential for no-deal Brexit, the UK have now surpassed yet another Brexit deadline day on 31st October 2019.

How to Prepare for a No-deal Brexit?

UK businesses will need to follow the same procedures to importing and exporting from/to the EU as with the rest of the world. To make this process easier you can use transitional simplified procedures.

What is TSP?

TSP has been introduced by HMRC to help make the importation of goods to the UK from the EU an easier process post no-deal Brexit. TSP gives traders more time to deliver customers forms and apply for relevant duties.

Who should register for TSP?

You can register for TSP if you:

  • have an (EORI) number that starts with GB
  • import goods from the EU into the UK
  • are an established trader in the UK (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO)

Who should NOT register for TSP?

  • If the only goods you import are coming into the UK directly from the rest of the world (outside the EU)
  • If you have a coherent history of presenting late tax returns, not paying duties/ taxes, or your business is in debt

If TSP sounds like something that will be beneficial to your business post no-deal Brexit Register Here

Want Sandford to conduct clearances under TSP for your business?

If you would like Sandford Freight to handle your clearances under TSP, we will require the below information from you:

  • Your TSP Registration Number
  • Your EORI Number
  • Any commodity codes for your shipments

For more news on Brexit – Keep Updated Here

In Preparation for Brexit on 31 October 2019

Dear Valued Customers,

As you are already aware, the United Kingdom will be leaving the EU on 31 October 2019.

We aim to keep you as informed as possible on the pending Brexit and how you can prepare for all the possible outcomes. With this in mind we advise the following steps to help you prepare your business.

You should now have a UK EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number starting with ‘GB’. If you have not done this already CLICK HERE to register for one, we advise you do this as soon as possible.

You will also need to decide if you will be using Sandford Freight to complete your customs declarations, or if you will be doing them yourself.

What To Do As An Importer

  • We recommend you to have a registration number for Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP). If you do not already have one we advise you apply for one now. A TSP number will ensure importing post Brexit to be as smooth as possible.
  • Post Brexit we advise you to check the import tariffs for any customs duties changes.
  • If you aim to use TSP to import goods (of which has customs or duties payable) you will need to apply for a Duty Deferment Account.

What To Do As An Exporter

  • Speak to the company that moves your products to see if you need to provide any additional information.
  • Check with the company/person you’re selling your goods to are prepared to bring them into their county and they are following that country’s customs procedures.
  • Do your goods need an export licence? If yes, there may be extra certificates or procedures that you will need to follow.

If you are regularly exporting goods through multiple Common Transit Convention territories (the EU, Turkey, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Republic of North Macedonia and Serbia) we recommend you consider a different customs practice. Common Transit Convention is an international customs procedure. You may also want to look into Common Transit Convention if you wish to relocate your goods away from the border to carry out customs procedures somewhere else. With this in mind you may want to think about becoming an authorise consignee. This will permit you to begin the export at your own premises rather than at a government office.

Temporary movement of goods we recommend ATA Carnets which are likely be best for you. For more information on temporary movements CLICK HERE.

Please keep up to date will all the Brexit news here on our Sandford website.

Please be advised all the above information has been extracted from the UK Government website. For the full article please find here.

Virtual Tour of Southampton

DP World Southampton have now released a virtual tour at their ever busy Southampton port.

For an interactive insight into the sea freight ‘World’ CLICK HERE

Delivery

Recruiting: Junior Freight Administrator

****This position has now closed. Thank you for those who showed interest. Please keep an eye on our page for updates.****

Attention To All College and School Leavers!!

Sandford Freight UK are currently recruiting a Junior Freight Administrator to join our growing business.

You would be trained within:

• Dealing with air, sea and road imports and exports

• Customs entries • Quotations

• AWB/ HAWB’s/ Bill of Ladings

• Checking flight information

• Vessel Tracking

• Updating clients on their shipments

• Liaising with airlines/shipping lines/shippers and overseas agents

• Arranging collections and deliveries

Please be aware this is only a brief spec, more about the role will be discussed in your interview.

Minimum requirements:

5 GCSE with a grade C or above.

Must be PC literate

Good telephone manner

Excellent computer skills with a good understanding of Microsoft Excel and Word.

Strong written and speaking communication skills in English and ability to communicate effectively.

Keen to learn Team player

Full Time – 37.5 hours a week.

9am-5:30pm

Salary – AAE

Happy Birthday To Claire

Today Sandford Freight celebrate their longest standing employee of 21 years, hitting a major milestone. Claire Lewis our Accounts Manager celebrated turning 50. The team have all rallied around to commemorate this joyous occasion.

Claire Pictured Above , Today.

From all of us here at Sandford Freight – Happy Birthday.