Tips for Exporting Automotive Goods From the UK to Europe

Posted on 1st July 2022

Whether your firm makes sub-assemblies for car manufacturers or produces accessories for the motor industry, the fact is that selling goods into European markets has become harder for many British entrepreneurs in the sector. This is partly due to the trade restrictions that came into force when the UK departed from the EU’s customs union, of course. However, that’s not the only factor. Some customers in the EU simply assumed that British firms wouldn’t be able to keep up and that their orders would be delayed so they sought alternatives elsewhere even when trading could have quite easily continued.

However, the changing exchange rate between the Euro and the pound has led some Eurozone customers to start placing more orders in the UK automotive goods sector. So, how can British firms seize the opportunity this affords them? Read on to find out.

Ship Door-to-Door Directly

If production lines are stalled because key components are not available to engineers, it costs automotive firms a great deal. Therefore, it is worth spending a bit more when sending goods to European customers and ordering couriers to drive directly from your warehouse or production facility to their goods-in area. This will often involve hiring the services of a skilled freight forwarding firm unless you already have your own logistics department to handle international consignments.

Get Customs Clearances Right

According to one of the leading customs clearance agencies in the UK, Barrington Freight, most problems arise in the automotive sector when suppliers haven’t made the right declarations on their paperwork. This can delay goods in the UK even before they cross the English Channel, causing unnecessary frustration in European supply chains. Even when British exporters have satisfied HMRC with their documents, further delays can always occur when goods arrive in the EU. Turn to customs clearance experts who can ensure both sets of declarations are carried out correctly.

Provide a Responsive Service

When a European customer places an order for automotive goods, they won’t just be looking at price, generally speaking. If they’re buying from an overseas trading entity in the UK, then they are also testing out whether or not the supplier can be trusted to get their shipment to them reliably. The fact is that as soon as an order is placed, you need to be arranging for its transit to your customer. Look for service providers with a national network of drivers and couriers who can begin shipping palletised goods throughout Europe within hours of receiving your call.

Track Order Progress

Finally, it is imperative that high-value items – like most automotive goods – are insured and traceable as they make their way to your client. Many of the firms in the car-making regions of eastern France and western Germany will expect updates about the progress of their orders. The same goes for companies in Spain, the Czech Republic and even further afield, too. Therefore, you should expect to be able to provide order progress updates at any time.