
The UK-Crown Dependencies Customs Union is a unique arrangement that affects the trade relationships between the UK and its Crown Dependencies, including Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
These islands have a long history of self-governance, dating back to the 12th century.
The UK-Crown Dependencies Customs Union allows for the free movement of goods between the UK and the Crown Dependencies, with no tariffs or quotas imposed.
This arrangement is governed by the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
The UK and the Crown Dependencies also have a shared customs territory, which means that goods imported into one territory are considered to have been imported into the others.
On a similar theme: Crown Point Post Office Passport
Customs Union Agreements
The United Kingdom–Crown Dependencies Customs Union is a customs agreement that came into effect on 29 December 2020, allowing for the free movement of goods between the UK and the Crown Dependencies.
This agreement was made possible through the negotiation of customs unions with Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, which were entered into force on the same date.
See what others are reading: Crown City Post Office
The agreement ensures that goods moving between the UK and the Crown Dependencies will not be subject to import duty, maintaining the current customs relationships between the parties.
The Crown Dependencies will also adopt the UK's practices and procedures on customs law, and will be bound to comply with all relevant international obligations in relation to customs.
The UK-CD Customs Union came into effect at the end of the Transition Period, and the UK Government has adopted a general policy of continuity of effect in relation to international trade agreements and arrangements.
This policy seeks to become a party to international agreements in its own right, either bilaterally with partner countries or by acceding to relevant international agreements.
A joint customs committee (UK-CD Customs Committee) has been established to meet at least once a year and act as a forum for exchanging views on common interests regarding the agreements, reviewing their operation, and seeking to avoid problems.
Here is a list of the Crown Dependencies and their respective customs agreements:
Joint Committee
The Joint UK-CD Customs Committee plays a crucial role in the United Kingdom–Crown Dependencies Customs Union.
This committee is a result of the customs agreements and will meet at least once a year.
Its primary function is to act as a forum for exchanging views on common interests regarding the agreements.
The committee reviews the operation of the agreements, seeking ways to avoid problems that may arise.
If problems do occur, mediation is available through this committee.
The committee's objectives are fourfold:
- Exchanging views on common interests regarding the agreements
- Reviewing the operation of the agreements
- Seeking appropriate ways and methods to avoid problems occurring in regard to areas covered in the agreements
- Mediation should problems occur regarding areas covered in the agreements.
Alignment
The UK and the Crown Dependencies have aligned their customs laws, rules, and procedures to ensure a smooth transition after the UK leaves the EU. This alignment is a key aspect of the United Kingdom–Crown Dependencies Customs Union.
Members of the customs union will align with the UK in areas of customs laws, rules, and procedures, as outlined in paragraphs 10 to 12. This means that the UK and the Crown Dependencies will have a common approach to customs matters.
Recommended read: Post Office Crown Rd

The UK has signed new arrangements with each of the Crown Dependencies to maintain and reaffirm their close customs relationships. This includes Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
These new arrangements ensure that traders moving goods between the UK and the Crown Dependencies will continue to pay no customs duty. The UK and the Crown Dependencies will also maintain a common external tariff.
The UK Government has adopted a policy of continuity of effect in relation to international trade agreements and arrangements. This means that the UK will seek to become a party to agreements in its own right, either bilaterally with partner countries or by acceding to relevant international agreements.
Here are the customs agreements entered into force on 29 December 2020:
Tariffs and Trade
The UK government has established a framework for tariffs with the Customs (Tariff Quotas)(EU Exit) Regulations 2020. This regulation updated definitions in customs legislation in 2020.
The purpose of this regulation is to update definitions in customs legislation. The UK government passed the Customs (Tariff Quotas)(EU Exit) Regulations 2020 to achieve this goal.
The regulation is a key component of the UK's customs union with Crown Dependencies. It sets the stage for trade agreements between the UK and its Crown Dependencies.
Legislative Support
The UK Parliament has played a significant role in establishing the United Kingdom-Crown Dependencies Customs Union. MPs on a delegated legislation committee approved three statutory instruments establishing a customs union between the UK and three Crown Dependencies.
The UK Government has adopted a general policy of continuity of effect in relation to international trade agreements and arrangements. This policy ensures that agreements and arrangements that applied to the Crown Dependencies or Overseas Territories while the UK was a Member State continue to apply to the same territories as an independent state.
The Crown Dependencies are jurisdictions in their own right, so separate statutory instruments were drafted for each of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. The UK Government had to approve the draft orders, which then went to the Privy Council before being laid under the negative procedure in the latter part of February.

The UK secured 29 trade agreements with 58 countries by December 19, 2020, ensuring the same benefits apply between the UK and those countries as before. The terms of the UK-CD Customs Union enable the Islands to elect to join any such free trade agreement into which the UK enters.
Additional reading: Canada–United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are UK Crown Dependencies?
The UK Crown Dependencies are the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. These self-governing islands are not part of the UK but are closely tied to the British monarchy.
Is Jersey in the EU or UK?
Jersey is not a member of the EU, but is part of the UK's trade agreement with the EU. It operates under a free-trade agreement negotiated by the UK, effective from January 2021.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom%E2%80%93Crown_Dependencies_Customs_Union
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-agrees-new-customs-arrangements-with-the-crown-dependencies
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/United_Kingdom%E2%80%93Crown_Dependencies_Customs_Union
- https://channeleye.media/brexit-focus-02/
- https://www.tax.org.uk/blog-mps-back-customs-union-with-crown-dependencies
Featured Images: pexels.com