UK BREXIT NEWSLETTER

brexit

There will be new rules for trade, travel and living in the UK and EU from 1 January 2021. Our aim is to provide you with information and resources to help you manage the change as smoothly as possible.

PREPARING FOR THE END OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD

Many businesses who trade with the EU are no doubt watching the Brexit negotiations closely. Whether or not there is a free trade agreement, many of the administrative changes for trade and travel are already known and it is important you plan ahead for these.

The actions people and businesses need to take will vary based on their circumstances.

THE BORDER WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

The Government produced guidance in July 2020 outlining the implementation of Border controls in three stages for Importing and exporting goods.

This document outlines the processes for moving goods between GB and the EU from 1 January 2021 onwards, including processes to be introduced in April 2021 and July 2021. Import and export controls are generally reserved, but the areas of food safety, the protection of human, animal and plant health, and the environment, are devolved to the governments of Wales and Scotland. This may lead to some differences in precise requirements and enforcement bodies

border

There is to be a phased introduction of new import procedures and tariffs between January and July 2021.

Declarations will be needed for exports from 1 January 2021.

Exporters can also use the new ‘Check duties and customs procedures for export goods’ tool on gov.uk to identify what additional paperwork, tariffs and quotas are applicable.

Businesses can also apply to HMRC for an advance ruling on the commodity code that should be used for their goods and the origin of their goods.

The  Importing and Exporting of goods document has all the details.

 UK TARIFFS FROM 1 January 2021

From 1 January 2021, the UK will apply a UK-specific tariff to imported goods.

This UK Global Tariff (UKGT) will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff, which applies until 31 December 2020.

Check the trade tariffs

Moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

trader

If you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland the Trader Support Service will guide you through any changes due to the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Northern Ireland Protocol comes into force on 1 January 2021. There will be changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

You may want to sign up for the free Trader Support Service which:

  • will help if you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK
  • is free to use and will guide you through any changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
  • can complete declarations on your behalf

It can help if you:

  • are moving the goods yourself
  • act on behalf of someone
  • send parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring parcels into Northern Ireland from outside the UK

GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR CUSTOMS TRAINING

grants

Various government grants and training schemes are available to help you prepare for these changes.

You can find details of these schemes and how to apply for them on the Customs Grant Scheme website.

PREPARING FOR CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS

Importers and exporters will need to complete customs declarations next year, regardless of whether the UK agrees a free trade deal with the EU.

To complete declarations you will need to:

  • Have a GB economic Operator Registration and Identification number (EORI number)
  • Decide if you will use a customs intermediary

If you choose to complete the Customs declarations yourself you will need to:

  • Have access to the relevant IT systems to complete declarations
  • Know the customs value and commodity code for goods traded
  • Consider simplifications and facilitations such as customs freight simplified procedures (CFSPs), warehousing, inward processing, and transit

The government have supplied guidance on the transition process

 TRAVELLING TO THE EU

Travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change from 1 January 2021.

The actions people and business owners need to take vary based on their circumstances.

European trips will need more planning and the Government has outlined things you may need to do before you travel which include:

  • Getting comprehensive travel insurance that also covers your health care.
  • Ensuring your passport is valid, and checking your roaming policy with your mobile phone provider.
  • If you want to travel to Europe with your pet from 1 January 2021, contact your vet at least 4 months before you travel.
  • check you have the right driving documents.

There are more things to do if you are travelling for business. For example, going to meetings and conferences, providing services (even with a charity), and touring art or music.

Details can be found in the document – Guidance on visiting Europe from January 2021

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.  We cannot accept responsibility or liability for any actions you may take, or not take, based on this information.

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