EU Exit Transition Guidance

EU Exit Transition Guidance

There is now a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements.

The current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period.

New rules will take effect on 1 January 2021.

You should prepare now and subscribe to email updates about any additional arrangements.

Click here  for the latest information and guidance.

The website has information and guidance on topics including:

Check how to get ready for new rules in 2021

Using personal data after January 2021

Accounting for UK companies from 1 January 2021

Selling services to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein from 1 January 2021

Border and transition period

Following a meeting with the Withdrawal Joint Committee on 12 June 2020, the UK has formally notified the EU that it will neither accept or seek any extension to the Transition Period.

Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare, the UK will introduce the new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021.

  • From January 2021:Traders importing standard goods, covering everything from clothes to electronics, will need to prepare for basic customs requirements, such as keeping sufficient records of imported goods, and will have up to six months to complete customs declarations. While tariffs will need to be paid on all imports, payments can be deferred until the customs declaration has been made. There will be checks on controlled goods like alcohol and tobacco. Businesses will also need to consider how they account for VAT on imported goods. There will also be physical checks at the point of destination on all high risk live animals and a proportion of low-risk live animals.
  • From April 2021:All products of animal origin (POAO) – for example meat, pet food, honey, milk or egg products – and all regulated plants and plant products will also require pre-notification and the relevant health documentation.
  • From July 2021:Traders moving all goods will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay relevant tariffs. Full Safety and Security declarations will be required, while for SPS commodities there will be an increase in physical checks and the taking of samples: checks for animals, plants and their products will now take place at GB Border Control Posts.

To support businesses with the new processes taking effect next year, the UK Government has developed a new £50 million package to boost the capacity of customs intermediaries – including customs brokers, freight forwarders and express parcel operators – providing businesses with further support. This funding will support intermediaries with recruitment, training and supplying IT equipment to help handle customs declarations. Applications for the new funding will be open from July and HMRC will unveil more details in due course. Rules will also be changed to remove barriers for intermediaries taking on new clients.

 

 

Growth Hub Support

Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub are offering businesses in Cheshire and Warrington a diagnostic to discuss what preparations and changes may be needed for the business. For information about this diagnostic please email support@candwgrowthhub.co.uk