How to Enter the UK Market After Brexit as a B2B Exporter

Selling into the UK after Brexit means sorting three things before your first order: customs paperwork with a GB EORI number, UK VAT registration from your first taxable sale, and the right product marking. Once that is in place, the UK is one of the easiest big markets to sell into. Buyers speak English, decide faster than in much of Europe and are open to new suppliers.

Many exporters put the UK on hold after 2021 because the rules looked messy. Most of that has now settled. Here is what matters for a B2B exporter today.

What changed for exporters after Brexit?

Goods moving from the EU into Great Britain have needed customs declarations since 1 January 2021. Importers need an EORI number starting with GB, and goods without the right paperwork can be held at the border, with storage fees on top.

In practice, most exporters handle this through a freight forwarder or customs agent. The key decision is who acts as importer of record: you, your customer or a partner. Agree this before you quote, because it changes your landed price.

Do you need to register for UK VAT?

Often, yes, and earlier than you might expect. UK businesses register once turnover passes £90,000, but there is no threshold for businesses established outside the UK. Registration is usually needed from your first taxable sale in the UK, unless a reverse-charge or other rule applies.

The standard UK VAT rate is 20%. Check your position with a UK tax adviser before the first order ships.

Do you need UKCA marking, or is CE enough?

For most products, CE is still enough in Great Britain. The UK continues to recognise the CE mark across most product categories, including machinery, electronics, radio equipment, toys and PPE.

Construction products and medical devices have their own transition rules, so check your category. Northern Ireland follows EU rules, so CE is required there.

How do UK B2B buyers like to buy?

• Fast and direct. UK buyers will often take a first call within days, and decide faster than many European or Asian buyers.
• Proof over promises. Expect questions about UK references, delivery times and who handles service locally.
• A UK contact. A named person who answers in UK hours builds trust faster than an overseas sales office.

What is the lowest-risk way to test the UK?

Start with demand, not a company. A UK limited company is quick to register, but it brings payroll, filings and usually a full-time hire. Many exporters first test the market with a fractional sales rep, an agent or a distributor, then build a UK team once orders are coming in. For a side-by-side look at those routes, see fractional business development vs distributor vs full-time hire.

How Repserve helps

Repserve provides fractional B2B sales representatives for companies entering new markets. In the UK, we match you with a screened, UK-based rep who works part of their week on your brand, for 25%, 50% or 100% of their time. They build your target list, book meetings and follow up in UK hours, without you setting up a company or hiring full-time. Each rep works with no more than three clients, never two that compete.

Ready to test the UK? Post a free request, or book a consultation. Selling from the US? Read our guide to entering Europe with local sales reps.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Correct as of November 2026.