Following on from Brexit, the export process to the EU can be made easier when you provide the right invoice layout to help shippers and customs authorities assess duties, taxes and goods suitability for transport ...
So what information do you need on an invoice? Well, there is no legal format for an invoice layout regardless of where you're shipping to, but it is a document that is used to report common information expected when completing export formalities.
The following information is normally included:
- your own company address
- the address of the receiver
- date and time of the order
- for each item being shipped, a tarrif/harmonised code and the description of the goods
- total net weight of the package (in kilograms usually)
- the method used to ship the goods
- the reason for export
- the value of goods in the relevant desinations own currency
- your VAT and EORI number
- space for various ventor's and shipping agent's signatures
Accounts packages such as Sage and Xero allow you to customise your invoice layout, but do remember that the more information the better now we are also shipping into the EU which is in a different customs jurisdiction since the 1st of January 2021.
Get your layout right, with all the required information in an easy to read format, and your goods have a far better chance of being delivered as expected rather than getting caught up in additional customs checks and delayed at the border.
This now applies wherever in the world you're exporting to ... the EU included.
If anything I've written here resonates with you, call me on 01604 420057 and let's see how we can help you.