Brexit rumbles on

As we continue to navigate through the coronavirus crisis, the issue of the UK’s future relationship with the EU is of increasing importance to businesses. As a result of the lack of progress in key areas, such as level playing field and fisheries, the negotiations will continue into early October.

Michael Gove writes to businesses 

The transition period is set to end on 31st December 2020. While there is little detail on the shape of the future relationship, there are steps you can take to prepare for changes regardless of the outcome.

That is why the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, has written a letter to all businesses moving goods between the UK and EU, and between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The letter emphasises the need for businesses to prepare for the new arrangements with the EU from 1st January 2021, particularly in relation to customs and borders procedures.

Specifically, Mr Gove has highlighted the following practical steps businesses need to take:

  • Speak to your local chamber of commerce, they are experienced in International trade and can help guide you
  • Register here for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, you need this to Import and Export
  • Check the terms of your existing contracts with your customers and suppliers
  • Plan how your business will deal with customs declarations
  • Appoint a customs broker/intermediary to make customs declarations on your behalf
  • Check if customs guarantees and simplified procedures will be helpful for your business and complete the application processes
  • Identify the staff that can be trained on customs and apply for HMRC grant funding
  • Use the guidance available at https://www.gov.uk/transition

The final link takes you to the Government’s new “Check, Change and Go” public information campaign. Here you can answer questions about your business to help filter all of the guidance relevant to you.

ADS Brexit Hub

At ADS we are refreshing and updating our Brexit hub. We hope to launch this towards the end of August with all the latest information on negotiations and guidance on what to do to prepare. We’ll communicate to members when the new hub goes live.