Cost-effective Sports Equipment Shipping from the EU and across the Globe
Before you begin importing fitness equipment from Germany or France for commercial purposes, there are a few things you should be aware of.
- Import commercial gym, fitness and sports equipment
- Bespoke Size Solutions
- Support with commodity customs clearance
- Over 35 years of combined freight forwarding experience
- Proud BIFA membership
- Competitive pricing
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Importing Gym Equipment
Importing gym equipment from Europe or further afield can involve more than arranging collection and delivery. UK businesses also need to consider the size and weight of the goods, suitable packaging, customs paperwork, VAT and the most practical freight option for the shipment.
Barrington Freight helps gyms, leisure centres, retailers, distributors and other UK businesses import commercial fitness equipment from suppliers across Europe and worldwide. This can include gym machines, weights, benches, resistance equipment, boxed accessories, training aids and other commercial sports stock.
For imports from the EU, goods are normally transported by road freight. Depending on the size of the order, this may include pallet delivery, groupage, LTL or FTL services. For suitable shipments from outside Europe, we can also arrange sea freight or consolidated air freight.
Since the UK left the EU, imports from European suppliers have required customs declarations and supporting paperwork. Our friendly team can help you understand the freight process and arrange customs clearance through our experienced partner.
To get started, call 01268 525 444 to speak to our operations team or request an online shipping quotation.
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Getting Started
Before importing gym or sports equipment into the UK, your business will normally need a valid EORI number. EORI numbers used for imports into England, Scotland and Wales begin with GB, while those used for Northern Ireland begin with XI. If your business already has an EU EORI number, it may be used for imports into Northern Ireland, but it cannot be used for imports into Great Britain.
You should also ask your supplier to confirm that the goods are suitable for export and that they can provide the correct commercial invoice, packing list and product details. Accurate information about the goods, including their value, country of origin, weight and dimensions, will be needed for the freight booking and customs declaration.
Some products may also require supporting documents or specific markings, depending on the type of equipment and how it will be sold or used in the UK. It is therefore important to check the requirements before placing your order.
VAT-registered businesses may be able to account for or reclaim import VAT, subject to the correct records and HMRC requirements. The customs value, freight charges, insurance and commodity code can all affect the amount payable.
Barrington Freight can help coordinate with your supplier, plan the collection and arrange the most suitable freight service for your commercial shipment.
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Commercial Gym and Fitness Equipment Imports
Barrington Freight can support businesses with the import of a wide range of commercial gym, fitness and sporting goods.
Examples of goods we can help import include:
- Exercise machines
- Weights, benches and resistance equipment
- Boxed fitness accessories
- Retail sports and leisure products
- Commercial training aids and sports equipment
Whether you are importing for a gym, leisure facility, distributor, e-commerce store or retail business, we can arrange practical exercise equipment shipping and fitness equipment import from suppliers across the EU and further afield.
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Freight Options for Sports Equipment Shipping
The right freight method will depend on the size, weight, packaging and collection point of your shipment. Many EU imports move by road freight, with options such as pallets, groupage, LTL and FTL depending on the volume of goods.
Road freight is often suitable for shipments collected from countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands. The right option depends on the size, weight and packaging of the goods. Smaller consignments of boxed training accessories may be suitable for groupage or pallet freight, while larger orders of gym machines may require LTL, FTL or more structured load planning.
For wider international imports, we can also support sea freight and consolidated air freight where appropriate, giving businesses flexible options for sports equipment shipping, sporting goods shipping and wider sports equipment logistics.
REQUIREMENTS
Import Requirements
Commodity Codes and VAT
Commodity Codes and VAT
Commodity Codes
Commodity codes are ten-digit numbers used to classify goods for import and export. You need the right commodity code to fill in declarations, check licenses and restrictions, and pay duty and VAT.
The commodity codes for importing fitness equipment begin from code 9506:
- Exercising equipment with adjustable resistance mechanisms is under code 9506911000 and is subject to a 20% VAT.
- Equipment without resistance mechanisms falls under code 9506919000 with a VAT of 20%
Other sporting equipment (for exercise and fitness, wrestling, gymnastics, and so on) falls under code 95069990 and is VAT exempt (0%)
Goods imported from the EU may qualify for a reduced or zero rate of customs duty if they meet the relevant rules of origin and the required proof of origin is available. Goods manufactured outside the EU and supplied by an EU seller may not qualify. Importers should check eligibility before claiming preferential treatment.
VAT
To calculate the total VAT payable, you will need to provide:
- Date of import
- In part of UK the goods are going to
- Country the goods are coming from
- Customs value of the goods – there are precise rules on how to calculate this
- Costs of shipping up to the UK border
- Cost of insurance up to the UK border
The VAT for importing gym equipment from the EU to the UK is 20% of the customs value, including freight and insurance costs. VAT registered businesses can claim back any VAT paid on imported goods. For that, you’ll need to provide your import VAT Certificate (C79).
Import Declarations
Import Declarations
You need to declare your fitness equipment if it is going into Great Britain. However, for equipment going to Northern Ireland, you won’t be asked for an import declaration.
To complete an import declaration by yourself, you’ll need to pay for specialist software that can access the CHIEF system. Therefore, it is advisable to let your freight forwarder take care of filling and submitting the import declarations for your goods.
Because gym equipment does not fall under the category of “controlled goods,” your carrier has the option of submitting a full declaration, a simplified declaration, or a delayed declaration up to six months later.
A full declaration includes:
- A customs procedure code
- A commodity code
- A declaration of a unique consignment reference number
- The departure point and destination
- The consignee and consignor
- The type, amount and packaging of the goods
- The transport methods and costs
- The currencies and valuation methods
- The certificates and licences
If your business is established in the UK and you want to speed up the customs process, your freight forwarder can make a simplified declaration for you.
A simplified declaration requires:
- An EORI number
- HMRC authorisation
- The special computer software that communicates with CHIEF or the CDS to submit supplementary declarations
- CHIEF badge confirmation
- HMRC software testing
- An account for paying duty and VAT
You will need to pay all duties before your goods can be released. Therefore, when your declaration is accepted, HMRC will tell you how much you owe so that you can pay the duty. After importing fitness equipment, it’s best to keep records of all paperwork involved in the process for four years.
Why Choose Barrington Freight for Sporting Goods Logistics?
Choosing Barrington Freight means working with a freight forwarder that understands commercial import requirements and the practical details involved in moving bulky or higher-value goods. We help UK businesses plan shipments clearly, coordinate with suppliers and arrange suitable freight based on the goods being moved.
As proud members of BIFA, we work to recognised freight forwarding standards and can also support customs clearance through our partner where required. For businesses importing gym, fitness or leisure products, our sporting goods logistics service is built around accurate planning, clear documentation and straightforward communication from collection through to delivery.
We are friendly, easy to work with, honest and we do not charge the earth.
To import gym equipment into the UK, you will need to work with a freight forwarder specialising in speedy, cost-effective delivery throughout Europe and the UK. Barrington Freight provides a low-cost freight forwarding option with a team dedicated to providing a professional and dependable service every time. Get started now by visiting Barrington at the Bowden Terminal in Basildon, Essex, near the M25. Or you can call us on: 01268 525 444
