How will Brexit affect my online tile orders? | Tile & Build
Tile orders from the European Union (EU) and other international locations are set to change in the UK as a result of the ‘Brexit’ transition and the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. From January the 1st 2021, the United Kingdom will face new rules and regulations when it comes to trading with countries in the European Union, this will include products that pass through borders with neighbouring countries such as France and Ireland.
How will Brexit affect rules and regulations?
The rules and regulations regarding the import of products, including wall tiles and floor tiles from countries in the European Union (EU) are not yet clear and will depend on the type of agreements set between the United Kingdom Government and the European Union Council. Therefore it is very difficult at this stage to determine what sort of impact this will have on the import of tiles, from the European tile manufacturers that we work with here at Tile & Build.
How will Brexit affect the delivery of my tiles?
At best, we estimate that there will be several weeks of delays as a result of uncertainties at the UK border. Many experts expect that road haulage coming across the English channel will experience significant delays due to new customs checks, and new requirements for drivers that are delivering the goods. In short, we can’t pinpoint exactly what level of delay your tile deliveries may experience, which is why we recommend getting your tile orders in before the middle of December 2020, to minimise any potential impact here.
How will Brexit affect the cost of my tiles?
For tile orders quoted for delivery before the 1st of January 2021, the price of your order should not change assuming the value of the British Pound Sterling remains steady against the Euro. As we work directly with the tile manufacturers however, the prices we quote will also factor in the current exchange rate to ensure all costs are covered between our customers, and the manufacturer. If the Brexit transition causes major fluctuations in the value of GBP against the Euro, then quotes for tiles for delivery after the 1st of January 2021 may be subject to change, this could work either way and may see a reduction in the price of your order, or likewise, an increase in the price of your order, depending on the outcome of the transition. It is likely that this price will fluctuate both ways during the early months of 2021 whilst the foreign exchange markets adjust, therefore in order to get the best guaranteed price for your tiles, we recommend you place your orders before the middle of December 2020.
Which tile manufacturers will be affected?
It’s no secret that southern Europe is well known for its quality porcelain and ceramic tile production, this is why the majority of the companies we work alongside are based in countries like Italy and Spain. Therefore, the majority of the tile manufacturers listed on our website are likely to be affected by uncertainties surrounding Brexit. These manufacturers include:
What we’re doing at Tile & Build
At Tile & Build we always provide the best possible price to our customers. For orders that are impacted by uncertainties caused by Brexit, and for orders placed for delivery after the 1st of January 2021, we will be working with tile manufacturers to ensure you get the very best price on your order. We will remain transparent and we will always quote you the best price in advance of your order being finalised.
Any information on potential delays that could arise will be passed on to our customers straight away, so you can plan ahead. We’ll always recommend that you order your tiles for your building project in advance, however this time we’ll be encouraging our customers to look a little further and order even further in advance, with extra potential delays in mind - it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Lastly, we will be keeping an eye on local news and on regulatory updates from the UK Government, the European Union, HMRC, our logistics companies and other official bodies to ensure we’re always up to date with the latest information. Any relevant updates will be passed on to customers that we believe may be affected and as ever, these updates will be used to help us quote fair and transparent prices for your tile orders. Though things look uncertain, you can rest assured knowing that at TIle & Build, we’re working hard to minimise any disruption or inconvenience that could be caused by delays and price changes in the new year.
As ever, we’d like to thank our customers for their trust and their continued support, and thanks for your patience in allowing us to ensure we can provide you with the very best service possible.