Ezi Returns | Shipping Cross Border

Shipping Returned Goods Across a Customs Border

Shipping goods across a border involves a 2 stage customs process:

When we ship your goods back to you, our hubs will act as the exporter of the goods and you will be the importer of record. As such you should have a valid EORI number (or equivalent) and a valid tax ID for the country in which the goods are being shipped back to.

An invoice with HS codes is needed for all cross-border shipments, and you are responsible for providing accurate information on your goods.

If the goods that we receive for you were originally shipped from the country that they are being shipped back to, then customs classify these goods as ‘Returned Goods’ and are treated as reimports as they cross the border.

Reimports are dealt with differently by different customs authorities in different countries and we have various strategies to get your goods shipped back to you within these varying guidelines.

Returned goods being shipped to the UK

From many of our hubs, Ezi ship the returns by consolidated truckload or sea container containing the returns of all our UK based sellers. The goods are then cleared by our own dedicated customs broker and then shipped onto you once they arrive in the UK. The shipments are cleared under RGR (Returned Goods Relief) as returned goods and as such you should not be liable for any customs duties and taxes.

To be eligible for import under the RGR scheme your goods need to be either manufactured in the UK or have been in free circulation in the UK prior to the initial export, and be re-imported within 3 years. For guidance please refer to the UK Government website.

During your account set up we will request some sample data and a declaration to state that your goods are eligible for import under the RGR scheme. You may from time to time be required to provide detailed customs information on specific shipments that are in transit.

Currently this is offered on shipments from the following countries:

This is by far the simplest and most cost-effective way in which to get your returned goods back to the UK. Please note however, the shipment of the consolidated trucks/containers is less frequent than shipping by courier. If you want your goods back quickly or if your goods are not eligible for import under the RGR scheme, then we can also ship your goods by courier. We also ship by courier from those hubs where the consolidated shipping lane has not yet been set up.

Please note the following regarding shipping by courier:

Courier shipments are more expensive than our consolidated rates.

You will have to provide detailed customs data for every shipment before we can ship the goods unless you are fully integrated with our system and we have access to the necessary data.

As the goods cross the border back into the UK, the courier may contact you to pay import tax and duty. Please note that, as the importer, it is your responsibility pay these charges. Or alternatively, if the goods are UK returns, to provide supporting documentation to prove that the items in the shipment are returned goods and should be exempt from these charges upon re-import.

Returned goods being shipped to the EU

Despite the fact that the EU has a Returned Goods Relief scheme where shipments of returned goods should not be liable for additional customs charges, in practice, duties and taxes are often charged as the goods cross the border. Relief from import charges on returned goods is not automatically applied (even where goods are declared as returns on the shipping paperwork), and this will require explicit instruction from the importer.

The amount charged by customs will be calculated based on the commodity code (HS code) of your items and the declared value for the products. You will need to provide these details for the commercial invoice before the goods are shipped.

You, as the consignee/importer, will be contacted by the courier to pay these charges before the goods are released for final delivery. You may be able to instruct the courier/customs that the goods are returns and meet the criteria for Returned Goods Relief. Customs will require documentation that proves the goods meet the criteria for this in order to waive any charges.

It is often simpler to pay the customs charges at the point of import so the goods can be cleared without delay. You may then be able to reclaim these charges from your local customs authorities by providing supporting documentation.

Please note that each customs authority within the EU has a slightly different process regarding the import of returned goods. Kindly note that as the owner of the goods and the importer of your return shipments, it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and customs processes in your local country.

A note for imports into Germany - if the goods are marked as returns, customs will always require proof of export from the importer when the goods re-enter Germany.

We strongly recommend that you keep accurate records of all your orders and exports of goods to your end customers. This will include the order number, tracking reference, MRN, courier, date shipped and evidence of the original order and refund made. This information may be requested to reclaim the charges.

Ezi Returns ship goods back to the EU via courier for boxes, or via a freight forwarder for pallet shipments. Customs paperwork is required for each shipment.

Ezi Returns is currently reaching out to customs brokers across the EU to try and forge constructive relationships to implement a more seamless process for the import of returned goods into the EU, so that these charges are waived at the point the goods cross the border. It is not proving an easy task, but rest assured we are persisting with this aim.

Returned goods being shipped to the USA

If the value of the goods in your shipment is below the de minimis threshold of 800 USD then no customs duties or taxes are applied. (please note this currently does not apply to any goods that originate in China or Taiwan).

If the value of the goods in your shipment is above 800 USD then we would like to bring to your attention that there are specific HS codes for returns that allow for re-import into the USA without additional customs charges:

9801.00.10 :

Products of the United States when returned after having been exported, or any other products when returned within 3 years after having been exported, without having been advanced in value or improved in condition by any process of manufacture or other means while abroad

Please see below link to the US CBP website with further information on this:

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/hts-subheading-9801

If this applies to your goods being shipped back into the USA from any of the Ezi Returns hubs, please let us know and we can include this in the invoice for your return shipments.

Kindly note that as the owner/seller of the goods, it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and advise us if it applies to your shipments. It is not the responsibility of Ezi Returns to determine if your goods meet the requirements for returned goods.

Please also be aware that you may be contacted by couriers to provide information relating to your import shipments when they arrive at US customs. Under standard DAP shipping terms, it is the importer’s responsibility to provide any additional information needed to the courier or broker to support the importation of the goods.

Ezi Returns ships goods back to the USA via courier for boxed shipments or via freight forwarders for pallet shipments. Customs paperwork is required for each shipment. We would strongly recommend appointing your own customs broker in the USA to clear pallet shipments, if you have one.

Returned goods being shipped to other countries

Ezi Returns ships goods back to all other countries via courier for boxed shipments or via transporters or freight forwarders for pallet shipments. Customs paperwork is required for each shipment.

Please note that it is your responsibility as the consignee and importer of record to be conversant with how returned goods are treated as they cross the border into your local country so that the paperwork and any data required may be provided as needed.

Please contact us at info@ezireturns.com for all current shipping prices. Please note that the stated courier costs may fluctuate on a monthly basis due to fuel surcharges. In Canada these fluctuate on a weekly basis.

Software developments

The information required by customs can be far reaching when returning your goods. Ezi Returns are continuing in their endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. We now have a process in place where customs information can be generated automatically. This requires an integration with your order management software so the data needed can be easily retrieved when needed. Please contact us at info@ezireturns.com for information on how we can get you integrated.

Alternatives to shipping & other services

We have a number of alternative solutions to shipping which sits better with our eco-friendly perspective of the company.

These include a resell service, a liquidation option, or a charity donation. If you would like any information on any of these offerings then please contact us at info@ezireturns.com.

Important links + information

To apply for a GB EORI number click here .

To apply for your EU EORI number you will need to contact the tax authority in the country directly. Find the list of EU customs authorities here.

Some marketplaces are providing solutions through partners to ensure compliance for EORI numbers and VAT. We strongly recommend seeking specialist advice regarding the potential implications for EORI numbers and VAT. Please see SimplyVAT.com, one of our partner companies who may be able to help you.

If you are unsure of the HS code for your products you can find more information here.

Useful information on customs support.

Publication office for EU countries.

For more information regarding the responsibility of the importer of record, see here.