What Buyers Need to Know (UK vs EU)

If you’re importing food products into the UK or EU, understanding HS codes and customs duties isn’t just a formality—it’s essential for keeping your goods moving and your margins healthy.

Whether you’re shipping frozen berries, canned vegetables, cheese, or confectionery, here’s what food importers need to know. We identified this as a key question during a recent visit to the IFE Event in London.

🧾 What is an HS Code?

An HS code (Harmonised System code) is an internationally standardised number used to classify traded goods. For food products, this might cover everything from chocolate to seafood to fruit purée.

Food items often fall into Chapters 02–23 of the HS system, such as:

• Chapter 04: Dairy products, eggs
• Chapter 08: Edible fruit and nuts
• Chapter 19: Preparations of cereals, flour, starch (e.g. biscuits, bread)
• Chapter 21: Miscellaneous food preparations (e.g. sauces, desserts)

The code you use determines:

• What import duty and VAT apply
• Whether certificates (e.g. health certs, organic certs) are required
• If quotas or trade preferences are in place

EU vs UK: The Key Differences

🔍 Important: The codes are often similar—but duty rates, documentation requirements, and even sanitary rules may differ.

Examples from the Food Industry

Let’s break this down with real examples:

Example 1: Chocolate Bars

• HS Code: 1806.32
• Duty in the EU: 8.3% (if not under a preferential agreement)
• Duty in the UK: 8% (unless reduced under an FTA)

Example 2: Frozen Strawberries

• HS Code: 0811.10.11
• Duty in the EU: 12%
• Duty in the UK: May vary based on country of origin

Example 3: Cheese (e.g. Camembert, Cheddar)

• HS Code: 0406.20
• EU Duties: Can be high (20–40%), unless within EU or under an FTA
• UK Duties: Also high if no preferential origin — but can be 0% from countries like New Zealand or Australia

💡 How to Get the Right Code and Rate

For the EU, use the TARIC database

For the UK, use the UK Integrated Tariff Tool

Check country of origin and any trade agreements (e.g. EU–Japan EPA, UK–Australia FTA)

📌 Tip: Misclassification can lead to delays, inspections, and even financial penalties. Always double-check.

📦 For Food Importers: Don’t Forget

✅ Health certificates may be required
✅ Import licences can apply for some dairy, meat, or animal-based products
✅ Customs duty is just one cost—VAT is also added on top
✅ Packaging, labelling, and sanitary checks differ between UK and EU

Final Thoughts

If you’re importing food into the UK or EU, getting the HS code and customs classification right is non-negotiable. It affects duty, documentation, and delivery times.

Need help decoding the right HS code or calculating your import costs? Let’s connect—We are always happy to share insights or tools that can help.

As of 31 January 2025, all goods imported from the European Union into Great Britain must be accompanied by a safety and security declaration, commonly known as an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). Continue reading about the New UK Safety & Security Declarations  

Partnering with Capital Transport ensures that your food transportation needs are met with the highest standards of compliance and professionalism, allowing you to focus on your core business with peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more.

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For food production companies in Europe, maintaining the quality and safety of perishable goods during transport is a critical challenge. Cold chain management ensures that temperature-sensitive products, from dairy and seafood to frozen meals and fresh produce, arrive at their destination in optimal condition. Without a well-maintained cold chain, food spoilage, financial losses, and compliance issues can arise.

In this article, we’ll explore best practices for temperature control during transit and the latest technological advancements that are transforming refrigerated food logistics.

BEST PRACTICES FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN TRANSIT

1. Pre-Cooling and Proper Storage Ensuring that perishable goods are pre-cooled to the appropriate temperature before loading minimizes the risk of temperature fluctuations. This is especially important for frozen and chilled products.
2. Real-Time Temperature Monitoring The use of IoT-based temperature sensors and data loggers allows continuous monitoring of cargo conditions. Automated alerts can quickly identify temperature deviations, allowing for immediate corrective actions.
3. Optimized Loading and Unloading Processes Rapid and efficient loading and unloading reduce exposure to external temperatures. Utilizing insulated loading docks and ensuring that refrigeration units remain active during these processes is essential.
4. High-Quality Packaging Solutions Insulated packaging materials such as thermal blankets, gel packs, and vacuum-sealed containers help maintain the required temperature throughout transit, preventing thermal shock.
5. Regular Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Routine maintenance of refrigerated transport units ensures that cooling systems are functioning correctly, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns that could compromise the cold chain.

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES IN COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS

The refrigerated transport industry is evolving rapidly, with new technologies improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Here are some of the latest innovations enhancing cold chain logistics:

1. IoT-Enabled Smart Tracking Systems Advanced IoT sensors provide real-time updates on temperature, humidity, and transit conditions, enabling logistics teams to respond immediately to potential disruptions.
2. Blockchain for Food Traceability Blockchain technology enhances transparency by creating a secure, tamper-proof record of each stage in the cold chain. This helps ensure compliance with food safety regulations and provides greater accountability.
3. AI and Machine Learning for Route Optimization Artificial intelligence (AI) helps predict potential delays, optimize delivery routes, and suggest proactive solutions to maintain temperature consistency throughout transit.
4. Eco-Friendly Refrigeration Technologies Sustainable refrigeration methods, including cryogenic cooling and liquid nitrogen-based systems, are reducing the carbon footprint of refrigerated transport while maintaining efficiency.
5. Electric and Autonomous Refrigerated Vehicles The development of electric and self-driving refrigerated trucks is helping to reduce emissions while ensuring reliable cold chain management. These advancements are particularly relevant as Europe moves towards greener transport solutions.

CONCLUSION

For food producers, effective cold chain management is essential to maintaining product quality, meeting regulatory standards, and reducing waste. By following best practices for temperature control and adopting the latest logistics technologies, companies can ensure that their perishable goods remain fresh and safe during transit.

At Capital Transport & Shipping we provide cutting-edge BRC AA accredited refrigerated transport solutions tailored to the needs of food manufacturers across Europe. Contact us today to learn how our advanced cold chain logistics services can protect your perishable products throughout the supply chain.

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NAVIGATING EUROPEAN FOOD TRANSPORTATION COMPLIANCE

The European Union (EU) has established a comprehensive legal framework to guarantee the safety and quality of food products throughout the supply chain. Key obligations under this regulation include:

Traceability: Businesses must be able to trace food, feed, and any other substance intended to be incorporated into food at all stages of production, processing, and distribution.

Safety Assurance: Operators are required to ensure that foods comply with safety requirements and do not pose a risk to consumer health.

Transparency: Immediate notification to competent authorities is mandatory if a food operator believes that a food they have imported, produced, processed, manufactured, or distributed is not in compliance with food safety requirements.

Non-Compliance Example: Contaminated Dairy Products in Spain

In 2023, a Spanish dairy company faced severe consequences when it failed to maintain hygiene standards in its transportation vehicles. The contamination led to a widespread recall of dairy products, resulting in financial losses exceeding €5 million and damaging consumer trust. The failure to comply with hygiene regulations demonstrated the necessity of stringent compliance with food safety laws.

THE BREXIT EFFECT ON FOOD TRANSPORTATION COMPLIANCE

The United Kingdom’s departure from the EU has introduced new complexities into the logistics of food transportation between the UK and EU member states. Brexit has resulted in increased border controls, additional customs documentation, and heightened regulatory checks. For instance, EU exporters of chilled and frozen meat, fish, cheese, and dairy products to the UK now require health certificates signed off by a veterinarian or plant inspector, leading to potential delays and increased costs.

Moreover, the introduction of physical checks and higher charges has raised concerns about the variety and freshness of fine artisan foods imported from the EU into the UK. These changes necessitate that businesses adapt swiftly to the evolving regulatory landscape to maintain seamless operations and compliance.

Non-Compliance Example: Delayed Meat Shipments to the UK

In early 2024, several UK supermarkets faced empty shelves in their meat sections due to delayed imports from the EU. A failure to secure the necessary health certificates led to shipments being held at border checkpoints, causing spoilage and financial losses for both exporters and UK retailers. This incident highlighted the critical role of compliance in maintaining smooth cross-border food logistics.

COMMON COMPLIANCE MISTAKES IN FOOD LOGISTICS

Inadequate Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct temperature during transportation is crucial to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety. Neglecting this can result in unsafe products reaching consumers, leading to potential health risks and costly recalls.

Insufficient Documentation: Proper record-keeping is essential for traceability and accountability. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can hinder the ability to track products, manage recalls, and demonstrate compliance during audits.

Poor Pest Control Measures: Neglecting pest management can lead to contamination of food products, posing health risks to consumers and leading to enforcement actions by regulatory bodies.

Labelling and Packaging Errors: Mislabelling allergens or providing incorrect nutritional information can mislead consumers and pose serious health risks, especially for those with allergies. Such errors can lead to legal liabilities and loss of consumer trust.

Lack of Staff Training: Without proper training, staff may be unaware of compliance requirements, leading to unintentional violations. Continuous education ensures that employees are up-to-date with current regulations and best practices.

Non-Compliance Example: Improper Recordkeeping in the Seafood Industry

A European seafood distributor was fined €2 million in 2022 after failing to maintain accurate records of its imports and exports. This lack of documentation led to non-compliance with traceability requirements, creating legal challenges and undermining customer confidence in the company’s operations.

HOW CAPITAL TRANSPORT CAN ASSIST

Navigating the complex and evolving regulatory environment requires expertise and a proactive approach. Capital Transport and Shipping, with over 50 years of combined experience in international transport, specializes in ensuring compliance with European food transportation regulations, and we are BRC AA accredited.

Our services include:

Customs Expertise: We manage the complexities of customs documentation and procedures, ensuring your shipments comply with the latest regulations, thereby minimizing delays and avoiding potential penalties.

Temperature-Controlled Transport: Understanding the critical importance of the cold chain, we offer state-of-the-art temperature-controlled transportation solutions to maintain the integrity and safety of your food products throughout transit.

Regulatory Compliance Support: Our team stays abreast of the latest regulatory changes, providing you with timely advice and solutions to keep your operations compliant and efficient.

Partnering with Capital Transport ensures that your food transportation needs are met with the highest standards of compliance and professionalism, allowing you to focus on your core business with peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Food Logistics Compliance – Avoid Costly Mistakes appeared first on Capital Transport.

Here are the top ten problems they commonly encounter, with some suggestions on how to manage these issues:

1. PRICING AND COST EFFICIENCY

Value for money is a key factor that resonates strongly with logistics managers. Capital Transport gets the right price, helping food producers to streamline their supply chains without sacrificing service quality. We offer competitive and transparent rates across a spectrum of services—including road transport, warehousing, and customs clearance.

• Managed transportation providers operate between shippers and carriers to identify sweet spots in volume, routing, freight seasonality or schedules, optimizing performance for your business.
  

  2. COMPLIANCE WITH FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS

Adhering to global and local food safety standards (e.g., BRC AA accreditation, which Capital Transport has) requires meticulous record-keeping, regular audits, and implementation of best practices in handling and transport.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop clear guidelines for temperature control and handling at every supply chain stage. Train staff thoroughly to ensure adherence, minimizing errors and enhancing compliance.
• Regular Audits and Certifications: Conduct frequent audits and obtain necessary certifications to demonstrate compliance with global and local food safety standards, building trust with consumers and regulators.

3. TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND COLD CHAIN MANAGEMENT

With chilled products every day lost in transit is a day lost on the shelf. Ensuring the integrity of perishable goods by maintaining proper temperatures throughout storage and refrigerated food transport is critical. Any lapse can lead to spoilage, product recalls, and financial losses.

• Temperature-Monitoring Systems: Implement sensors and data loggers in transport vehicles and storage facilities for continuous temperature tracking. Real-time alerts for deviations enable immediate corrective actions, reducing spoilage risks.
  

  4. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Balancing supply and demand is challenging due to the short shelf life of food products. Overstocking leads to waste, while understocking results in missed sales and dissatisfied customers.

• Demand Forecasting Tools: Employ advanced forecasting software to predict demand accurately, allowing for optimal inventory levels that reduce waste from overstocking and prevent missed sales due to understocking.
• Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory: Implement JIT strategies to align production schedules closely with demand, minimizing storage time for perishable goods and reducing spoilage.

5. RISING TRANSPORTATION COSTS

Fuel price fluctuations, increased demand for refrigerated trucks, and regulatory constraints contribute to escalating transportation expenses.

• Route Optimization Software: Use sophisticated algorithms to plan efficient delivery routes, reducing fuel consumption and labour costs.
• Collaborative Logistics: Partner with other companies to share transportation resources, maximizing load capacities and distributing.
  

  6. EFFICIENT ROUTE PLANNING

Delivering products quickly and efficiently while minimizing costs and avoiding delays requires sophisticated route optimization and real-time tracking tools.

• Real-Time Tracking and GPS: Implement real-time tracking systems to monitor vehicle locations, allowing for dynamic route adjustments in response to traffic conditions, thereby improving delivery times and reducing fuel usage.
• Advanced Analytics: Utilize data analytics to assess route performance and identify areas for improvement, enhancing overall efficiency.

7. LABOUR SHORTAGES

A shortage of qualified drivers, warehouse workers, and skilled technicians for maintaining cold chain equipment affects operational efficiency.

• Automation and Robotics: Invest in automated systems for tasks like sorting, packing, and warehouse management to reduce dependence on manual labour
• Employee Training Programs: Develop training initiatives to upskill existing staff, improving retention rates and operational efficiency.
  

  8. TRACEABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

Consumers and regulators demand end-to-end traceability of food products. Implementing systems for tracking origins, handling, and transportation details can be complex and costly

• Blockchain Technology: Implement blockchain solutions to create a transparent and immutable ledger of product journeys, enhancing traceability and building consumer trust.
  

  9. MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

External factors such as natural disasters, pandemics, or geopolitical issues can disrupt supply chains, leading to delays and increased costs.

• Diversified Supplier Base: Establish relationships with multiple suppliers across different regions to mitigate risks associated with localized disruptions.
• Risk Management Strategies: Develop comprehensive risk assessment and contingency plans to respond swiftly to unforeseen events, maintaining supply chain continuity.
  

  10. DEMAND VOLATILITY

Predicting and adapting to seasonal demand fluctuations and market trends requires robust forecasting tools and strategies.

• Diversified Supplier Base: Establish relationships with multiple suppliers across different regions to mitigate risks associated with localized disruptions.
• Risk Management Strategies: Develop comprehensive risk assessment and contingency plans to respond swiftly to unforeseen events, maintaining supply chain continuity.

By adopting these solutions, logistics managers in the food industry can effectively address the challenges they face, leading to improved efficiency, compliance, and sustainability in their operations.

Let Capital Transport help your business to grow, contact us today, we are BRC AA accredited and have over 50 years of combined logistics experience.

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As of 31 January 2025, all goods imported from the European Union into Great Britain must be accompanied by a safety and security declaration, commonly known as an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This is a vital step to:

✅ Protect the UK’s borders.

✅ Keep trade efficient.

✅ Ensure compliance with legal requirements.

This requirement, previously applicable only to imports from outside the EU, now extends to EU imports, marking a significant change in import procedures.

KEY CHANGES EFFECTIVE 31 JANUARY 2025

• Mandatory ENS for EU Imports: Every consignment entering Great Britain from the EU must have a completed ENS.
• Simplified Data Requirements: The ENS now consists of 20 mandatory fields, 8 conditional fields (required only in specific circumstances), and 9 optional fields. This reduction aims to streamline the submission process.

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS FOR BUSINESSES:

1. Initiate ENS Submissions Early: If your business is prepared, begin submitting safety and security declarations before the 31 January deadline to familiarize yourself with the process.
2. Collaborate with Supply Chain Partners: Engage with carriers, hauliers, and other stakeholders to determine who will be responsible for completing the ENS and establish the most efficient method for submission.

UNDERSTANDING RESPONSIBILITIES:

While carriers or hauliers are legally obligated to submit safety and security declarations, they may delegate this task to another party, such as the importer or an intermediary. However, the carrier remains responsible for ensuring the declaration is submitted correctly.

SUBMISSION METHODS:

Safety and Security Entry Summary Declarations are submitted through the Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S GB) platform. Businesses can choose to:

• Purchase specialist software for submissions.
• Utilize customs agents or intermediaries.

If opting to submit ENS independently, registration with S&S GB is required, necessitating a Government Gateway account and a Great Britain Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

PREPARATION STEPS:

• Assess Readiness: Evaluate your current systems and processes to ensure they can accommodate the new ENS requirements.
• Train Relevant Personnel: Ensure that staff involved in the import process are knowledgeable about the new requirements and submission procedures.
• Stay Informed: Regularly consult official guidance to stay updated on any changes or additional information regarding safety and security declarations.

By proactively addressing these requirements, businesses can ensure a seamless transition and maintain efficient import operations post-31 January 2025.

Contact Capital Transport today to help your business to grow, we are BRC AA accredited, with over 50 years of combined logistics experience.

https://capitaltransport.eu/

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The CMR plays an essential role in facilitating road transport across international borders. Established in 1956, the CMR convention created a uniform legal framework for the international carriage of goods by road, ensuring a smooth flow of cross-border logistics.

Key Components of a CMR Document

1. Contractual Agreement: A CMR document serves as a formal contract between the sender, carrier, and receiver, outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party throughout the shipping process.
2. Details of the Goods: The document contains critical information about the goods being transported, such as their type, quantity, packaging, and identification numbers, minimizing the potential for misunderstandings or disputes.
3. Terms of Carriage: This section covers transport-related terms like delivery routes, charges, and any specific agreements between the sender and carrier. It also includes details on the condition of the goods at the time of dispatch.
4. Acknowledgment: The document typically requires signatures or other forms of acknowledgment from both the sender and the carrier, formalizing the agreement. Increasingly, electronic versions of this document (e-CMR) are being adopted, providing digital benefits like real-time updates and tracking.

Importance in International Transport

The CMR document is vital for road transport across borders, offering a standardized approach to logistics, especially when the shipment passes through multiple countries that are signatories to the CMR convention. More than 50 countries, including most European nations, as well as parts of Asia and North Africa, adhere to the CMR regulations.

How CMR Applies to Business

The CMR convention means that CMR-compliant countries must adhere to the convention’s legal framework. This ensures that shipments are protected under consistent regulations and that liability in case of damage or loss is clear.

The adoption of the e-CMR streamlines cross-border trade. This electronic version allows for faster documentation, reduced paperwork, and enhanced real-time tracking, contributing to more efficient logistics operations.

Benefits of Using a CMR Document

• Legal Clarity: The CMR document provides a well-defined legal framework, protecting all parties and facilitating easy resolution of disputes.
• Standardization: It ensures a consistent approach to international road transport, critical for businesses that operate across borders.
• Digital Adaptation: The introduction of e-CMR offers even greater efficiencies, reducing manual errors and speeding up processes.

Conclusion

Understanding the CMR document and its application is essential for businesses engaged in international trade. By following the CMR convention, these companies can ensure that their shipments comply with international standards, reducing risk and improving logistics efficiency. As e-CMR becomes more prevalent, the future of cross-border road transport will only become more streamlined and secure.

Contact Capital Transport today to help your business to grow, we are BRC AA accredited, with over 50 years of combined logistics experience.

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