China-made stock: simplified customs to NI?
Yes, if the GB-to-Northern Ireland movement meets HMRC’s conditions, including free circulation, UK Internal Market Scheme authorisation, eligible goods and ‘not at risk’ treatment. Chinese manufacture alone does not settle eligibility. Prepare the stock and destination evidence with Cambridge China Bridge.
Check the movement before changing the paperwork
Internal Market Movement Information replaces a full customs declaration for eligible business movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. It does not replace the original China-to-GB import declaration. The stock must be in free circulation in Great Britain and move into free circulation in Northern Ireland by direct transport.
Ask your broker to check the original import record against the warehouse stock. Physical storage in Britain is not enough to establish free-circulation status. Use our customs procedure code guide to understand the original entry, without repeating the import-clearance process here.
Confirm authorisation and the intended end use
UK Internal Market Scheme authorisation must be in place before using the simplified route. The goods must qualify as ‘not at risk’ under that scheme, for sale or final use by UK end consumers. If they will undergo processing in Northern Ireland, additional eligibility criteria apply.
Before booking transport, identify whose authorisation will support the movement and ask the intermediary to confirm the linked registration details. Obtain the customer’s intended-use statement and delivery destination. HMRC requires supporting evidence for each ‘not at risk’ consignment; keep orders, invoices and delivery records connected to the stock.
Check the category for the actual Chinese product
Categorisation depends on the product’s composition and origin. Standard and Category 2 goods can be eligible; Category 1 goods require full customs processes. Category 2 goods retain applicable document controls. Ask the broker to check the Northern Ireland tariff using the actual Chinese origin and product specification.
Send material details, intended use and a clear product description rather than a warehouse nickname. Our commodity code guide helps prepare that information. Ask the broker to flag any taxes, relief claims or special procedures that prevent use of the simplified dataset before you authorise dispatch.
Prepare the handover before the goods move
Build a movement file containing the authorisation details, parties, product description, origin, value, quantities, package information and transport route. Have the intermediary check it against their submission checklist. Match the picking list to the approved product records so a substituted model does not travel under an unrelated description.
A Trader Goods Profile can populate parts of the dataset. Most parcel carriers cannot use it, so confirm their arrangements. Agree the submission route and deadline before dispatch: pre-movement submission needs no supplementary declaration; post-movement submission requires an appropriate entry-in-records route, not simply an agreement to send paperwork later.
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Give the intermediary a written job
Your customs intermediary must use software to submit on your behalf. Written instructions must identify direct or indirect representation, and appointing an agent leaves you responsible for customs due diligence. Use our customs agent appointment guide for the representation decision.
Agree who checks eligibility, supplies missing information, confirms submission and clearance, and handles corrections. Request the completed dataset and status evidence for your file. Cambridge China Bridge’s staff in China can help assemble supplier specifications and batch records; have the appointed customs intermediary confirm the movement’s eligibility and filing arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Can China-made goods use Internal Market Movement Information?
Potentially, once in GB free circulation. The movement must also meet UK Internal Market Scheme, ‘not at risk’, category and transport conditions. Check the actual product and origin.
Does this replace my China-to-GB import declaration?
No. It applies to eligible movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Check the original import and stock records separately.
Can my customs agent handle the submission?
Yes, using customs software and your written instructions. Agree representation and responsibilities; you retain responsibility for customs due diligence.
Can I submit the information after delivery?
Only through an appropriate authorised entry-in-records route. Ask the intermediary to confirm the route and deadline before dispatch.