Imports and Exports

Does your business trade with Europe? Leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union will change the way you import and export to and from Europe and other countries around the world. Take the opportunity now to prepare your business for the EU transition period to end. Identify what you need to think about and plan the actions you need to take.

Things to think about

The new relationship between the EU and the UK will mean immediate changes to customs procedures and documentation required which may mean a great administration burden. Do you have the skills in your team to manage these customs changes and administration tasks?

The UK will start with the same regulatory product standards as the EU, but these may diverge over time, resulting in non-tariff barriers to trade. What regulatory standards do you currently meet and how may they change?

Both the UK and the EU are aiming for tariff and quota free trade between the two, however this does not rule out UK setting external tariffs for goods coming in from the rest of the world.

The rules governing VAT will change. Organisations may need to register for VAT in a European member state.

Northern Ireland will essentially remain in the Single Market and Customs Union for goods as part of the Irish Protocol. Does this impact your business or your supply chain?

Steps to take now

Utilise the available government support and resources such as the government’s digital tools for businesses who export goods in and out of the UK.

View this Government guidance on what UK goods vehicle operators need to do to carry out international road haulage from 1 January 2021, here.

Join us on 13 January 2021 for a webinar on Logistics: Understanding 2021 regulation changes in partnership with the Road Haulage Association. Book your place now.

This is vital to continue trading in and out of the EU.

The UK has ambitious plans to negotiate new trade deals with economies across the world which may open new markets for your business.

Are the current terms of delivery still possible given the possible changes to tariffs and VAT?

Explore if you need an export license for any of your goods.

Need advice?

As always, the SEMLEP’s Growth Hub team are on hand to answer your questions. Get in touch today to book a fully funded one-to-one meeting with a business adviser.

Resources

Government digital tools for traders

Government customs grants