With most of the leading CHP component providers based in Europe, getting hold of quality gas engine spares at short notice has become more difficult this year, due to a combination of COVID-19 and Brexit. Here, James Thompson, Managing Director of gas engine support specialist Gen-C, reveals how operators can maintain their engine’s performance by buying directly from UK distributors – avoiding bureaucratic red tape, additional costs and border delays.
According to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), 45% of firms have experienced delays getting goods into the UK from the EU since 1 January 2021, citing new Brexit custom requirements and additional COVID-19 protocols as the main causes of delay. The new Brexit custom requirements mean that an operator looking to import spares from Germany, for example, must now follow multiple steps, including: applying to HMRC for an EORI number; finding out the commodity code and value for the goods they want to import; then, determining the rate of duty and VAT they need to pay and whether they need an import licence.
Next, they must check the labelling, marking and marketing rules before attempting to get their goods through customs. They can then apply to claim back any VAT paid on the goods imported, for which they will need an Import VAT Certificate (C79). If they paid the wrong amount of duty or rejected the goods, they will need to claim a refund on import duties or make a claim for rejected imports. Finally, they must keep records of all invoices and any customs paperwork.
Easing the burden
If this sounds too much like hard work for a box of CHP spark plugs, then there is an alternative. UK distributors are perfectly placed to shoulder the bureaucratic burden on behalf of their customers, buying in bulk and in advance to ensure that a ready supply of quality European components is immediately available.
As the exclusive UK distributor for Motortech (a German provider of parts and systems for all popular gas engines), Gen-C can supply a wide range of high-quality components to the UK market. We are also the UK partner of RS Motor, a Spanish-based supplier of spares for leading MWM and Jenbacher engines, and we specialise in upgrading gas CHP and genset control panels with Motortech air fuel ratio (AFR) expertise underwritten with ComAp technology.
Same-day dispatch
Thanks to a significant investment in stock, our Sheffield warehouse now contains key European engine components such as spark plugs, filters, HT leads, spark plug gaskets, speed pick-ups, control components, spark view ignition testing units, timing lights, and spark plug cleaning kits.
Purchasing quality European spares from a UK distributor such as Gen-C brings none of the hassle of importing from the EU – no red tape, no border delays, no additional fees, no currency or exchange issues, and no language barrier. And with free technical support and same-day dispatch for orders placed by noon, your CHP can continue to run smoothly no matter what’s happening at the border.
To order your CHP spare parts minus the delays, fees and red tape, call James on 01709 718002 or go to: www.gen-c.co.uk