UPDATED GOODS IN PROCEDURE EU

Written By Nick

Scale 3PL operates an EU fulfilment warehouse in Rotterdam to support ecommerce brands selling into Europe.

Sending stock into the EU requires the correct documentation, customs information and inbound booking process. Following the correct process ensures goods move through customs smoothly and can be received quickly by the warehouse team.

This guide explains how the EU goods-in process works and what clients need to do before shipping stock.

Why EU Goods-In Requires Extra Steps

Shipping goods into the European Union involves customs clearance and VAT handling.

Before sending stock to the warehouse, clients must ensure the shipment contains the correct import information. Without this information shipments may be delayed at customs or refused by the warehouse.

Key information required includes:

  • EU EORI number

  • commercial invoice

  • HS codes for all products

  • accurate product values

Some shipments may use Limited Fiscal Representation (LFR) to manage VAT requirements.

Step 1 – Create an Inbound Shipment

Before dispatching stock to the warehouse, clients must create an inbound shipment in the warehouse management system.

Scale 3PL uses:

  • Mintsoft

The inbound shipment record must include:

  • SKU

  • quantity

  • pallet count

  • carton count

  • expected delivery date

This allows the warehouse team to prepare for the delivery.

Step 2 – Prepare Shipment Documentation

Every shipment entering the EU warehouse must include transport and customs documentation.

Required documents include:

  • commercial invoice

  • packing list

  • transport document such as CMR, AWB or bill of lading.

These documents are required for customs clearance.

Step 3 – Submit Your Customs Declaration

Before shipping your goods, you must submit a customs declaration to Scale 3PL for review.

The declaration can be uploaded here:

https://www.scale3pl.co.uk/customs-declarations

The operations team reviews the declaration to ensure the information is correct.

Shipments should only be dispatched once approval has been received.

Step 4 – Book Your Delivery

Once your customs declaration has been approved you must email the EU goods-in team to book the delivery.

Your email should include:

  • ASN number

  • pallet quantity

  • expected delivery date.

After this information is received the warehouse team will confirm a delivery slot.

Step 5 – Delivery to the EU Warehouse

Goods are delivered to the Scale 3PL EU warehouse in Rotterdam.

When the shipment arrives the warehouse team will:

  • inspect pallets and cartons

  • check for damage

  • confirm the quantities delivered.

Step 6 – Inventory Booking

The warehouse team verifies the received quantities against the inbound shipment record.

Stock is then booked into the warehouse system.

Once booked:

  • inventory becomes available for order processing

  • stock locations are assigned.

Processing Time

The operational target is for goods-in processing to be completed within 24 hours of arrival.

Providing accurate documentation and submitting customs information in advance helps ensure this target is met.

Avoiding Goods-In Delays

Most goods-in delays occur due to missing or incorrect documentation.

To avoid delays ensure that:

  • the ASN is created before shipping

  • the customs declaration is approved before dispatch

  • shipment documentation matches the products being delivered.

Learn More

Full EU goods-in guidance is available here:

https://www.scale3pl.co.uk/goodsin-eu

Customs declaration uploads can be submitted here:

https://www.scale3pl.co.uk/customs-declarations

Following the correct process helps ensure your stock arrives quickly and becomes available for sale without delay.

Nick https://www.startuplogistlcs.co.uk
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