Jersey’s trading relationship with the EU is bound by the UK trading rules relating to Brexit.
Jersey’s position is explained in the Brexit Information report.
Changes from January 2022
NEW – From January 1st 2022 pre-declarations of imported goods from outside the CTA (UK, Guernsey and the Isle of Man) , commonly called “third county imports” will become mandatory, before goods will be released.
This practical webinar recorded on 7th December 2022 addresses the questions on the mandatory changes to customs declarations that come into effect from January 1st 2022
The the section below ‘Importing goods into Jersey’ holds a further video guide on how to compete a pre declaration, and the link to apply for simplified declaration procedure
These are the things to need to consider when importing goods into Jersey.
10 steps to importing goods into Jersey
Changes From January 1st 2022
If you are importing third country goods into Jersey, from Jan 2022 you will need to pre-declare your goods in order for them not to be held at customs when they arrive. There are two processes to assist in your goods traveling straight to you and not being held whilst a customs declaration is being checked and cleared.
- If you know what goods are being delivered in advance, completing a pre-declaration for your third country goods may be the best option for you. The video below outlines that process.
- If your stock arrives in split consignments or pre-declaring isn’t possible you can apply for your third country goods to travel through customs directly to you by having a Simplified Declaration Procedure (SDP) in place – The SDP Guide and application outlines that process and how to apply.
Government of Jersey Guide for businesses on – Third Country Imports
Government of Jersey full guidance on Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI)
29th March 2021: This webinar with Customs & Immigration answers questions on Importing goods into Jersey. Moderated by Lorie Rault, Head of Retail at Jersey Business with Paul Ecobichan of Jersey Customs and Immigration giving their expert and practical input to the session. You can view it here.
Customs declarations will be required for goods moving between Jersey and the UK as GST/VAT arrangements are in place.
Government of Jersey guidance for the declaration process on imports from UK, Guernsey & Isle of Mann can be found here.
It is essential that businesses trading with EU partners, customers or suppliers, have the necessary processes in place. For businesses with an aspiration to grow internationally, this is also an opportunity to consider the opportunities that might open up as a result of Brexit.
Government of Jersey information on Trading with the EU
These are the things to need to consider when exporting goods from Jersey.
Exporting goods from Jersey
This webinar with Customs & Immigration answers questions on Exporting goods from Jersey.
Moderated by Alexia McClure COO of Jersey Business with Paul Ecobichan of Jersey Customs and Immigration giving their expert and practical input to the session.
For British nationals, which includes those holding Jersey variant British passports wishing to travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein (the Schengen Area), their passports must:
- have been issued within the last 10 years on the date of arrival in a Schengen country
- have at least three months validity remaining on the date of intended departure from the last country visited in the Schengen Area.
If you live in Jersey and you hold an EU national identity card or passport nothing has changed in relation to travelling, working or living in the EU.
Government of Jersey information on Visiting the EU after 31st Dec 2020
If you are an employer in Jersey and and plan to employ EU nationals please follow the guidance on
Government of Jersey information on Employing European Union (EU) nationals from January 2021
Work through these questions to ensure you are up to date with what you should do.
Do you currently employ EU nationals?
If you employ EU nationals, they need to have applied to the Jersey-EU Settlement Scheme (JEUSS) by the 30 June 2021. EU nationals are only eligible to apply if they were in the Island by 31 December 2020.
To apply, visit gov.je/SettlementScheme.
Are you planning to employ EU nationals?
If you have seasonal or temporary EU staff that have worked in the Island before the end of 2020 they may be eligible for the Jersey-EU Settlement Scheme and will be able to continue to return to the Island and work without a visa or a work permit.
Any EU citizen that will be new to the Island in 2021 will require a visa to work and the employer will need a work permit. More information on the process of hiring EU nationals can be found here.
Do you import from or export to the European Union?
There are requirements, paperwork and processes that you will need to meet to import from or export to the European Union. More information can be found here: gov.je/tradeready.
If you would like to speak to Jersey Customs & Immigration Service (JCIS) on trade-related matters they can be contacted on [email protected].
Do your staff need training to meet the requirements of the customs procedures and declarations?
If you trade with the European Union there are processes in place, notably the requirement to submit customs declarations. The UK government has collated a list of customs training providers, which can be accessed here.
Do you or any of your employees travel to the European Union?
If you are a British passport holder (including those passports issued by the Jersey Passport Office) you will need to comply with different rules to enter and travel around the Schengen Area (EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland is not affected.
If you’re planning to visit the Schengen Area you should check you have at least six months validity left from the date you will arrive.
Please use the online passport renewal calculator here.
Will your business have visitors from the European Union?
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not require a visa to visit Jersey. Visitors are able to come to Jersey for up to 6 months. EU nationals are granted their immigration permission at the border and are unlikely to be delayed when travelling through the border.
There are very limited circumstances where a person can work when they have arrived as a visitor. Please contact Jersey Customs & Immigration Service (JCIS) if you need further information.
Do you exchange personal data with the European Union?
Jersey is a third country for data protection purposes. Jersey has adequacy status with the EU and has enacted the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 which is equivalent to the GDPR.
As a result it is lawful for data to flow freely between Jersey, any EU member state and any other adequate third country.
Additional information
Additional information on the end of the Transition Period not covered in this emailer can be found at www.gov.je/beyondbrexit. Alternatively you can email [email protected].
Full details on Jersey’s Border Operating Model can be found here.
If you have specific questions relating to your imports/exports contact Jersey Customs and Immigration on:
Email [email protected]
Podcast on the opportunities presented because of Brexit
