This update contains a number of reminders and updates regarding the imminent departure of the UK from the EU.
The majority have been previously circulated, but there are several issues that bear revisiting, including:
Apologies for the bullet-point approach, but the good news is that the UK has signed a trade deal with Côte d’Ivoire.
Check if you are ready to business outside of the UK, after the 1st of January 2021
There will be guaranteed changes from 1 January for businesses as we start our new relationship with the EU, and there are many actions you can take today to prepare. Find out what you need to do by visiting gov.uk/transition and using the checker tool.
Trader Support Service – GB-NI.
Letters have been sent to VAT-registered businesses in Northern Ireland to explain changes to the way goods will move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland when the Northern Ireland Protocol comes into force on 1 January 2021. They explain what businesses need to do to prepare, including registering for the Trader Support Service, a free service available to businesses of all sizes.
UK-EU Negotiations
EU Exit: Update on negotiations and the work of the Joint Committee -The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has updated the House of Commons on negotiations with the European Union and the work of the UK-EU Joint Committee.
Movement of Goods
List of customs agents and fast parcel operators: The list of customs agents and the list of fast parcel operators have been updated today.
Letters to businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021: Published latest letters (dated today) sent by HMRC to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU and/or the rest of the world, highlighting actions they need to take to continue trading with the EU from 1 January 2021.
How to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021: Updated on 16 October to remove references to Intrastat declarations for exports. You do not have to submit Intrastat declarations for goods exported from Great Britain to the EU.
Get someone to deal with customs for you: If you’re established in the UK and import goods into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) you can ask someone to act directly using their own authorisation, to make declarations using either simplified declaration procedure or entry in the declarant’s records.
Product/sub-sector specific movement of goods
Export or move live animals and animal products to the EU from 1 January 2021: Guidance updated on 16 October to reflect some of the changes to the export process from 1 Jan 2021.
Importing animals, animal products and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin from 1 January 2021 Added on 15 October that you must get pre-authorisation from Defra for high-risk ABPs before any imports take place.
Moving CITES specimens through Eurotunnel from 1 January 2021: A point of entry and exit for trading or moving CITES specimens from 1 January 2021. Updated on 14 October to say import checks will take place at Sevington.
Trade Agreements
Existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries: Updated on 15 October to reflect the signing of the UK-Côte d’Ivoire Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
E-commerce/ data flows
The eCommerce Directive after the transition period. Published on 16 October: At the end of the transition period, the eCommerce Directive will no longer apply to the UK. You should begin to prepare for these changes now
.eu domain names – what you need to do before the end of the transition period. Published 16 October. Find out what you need to do before the end of the transition period if you hold a.eu domain.
Using personal data in your business or other organisation after the transition period. Published 16 October: What action you need to take regarding data protection and data flows with the EU/EEA after the end of the transition period.
Apprentice Employers
Guidance for providers of further education and apprenticeships during the transition period and after 1 January 2021 Information added on 15 October to help further education and training providers and employers of apprentices prepare for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.
Campaign resources/webinar links
Time is running out for businesses to prepare. Published on 18 October. The government urges business leaders to step up preparations for Australia-style (i.e. No-deal) arrangements from 1 January and launches ‘time is running out’ campaign.
UK Transition campaign: communications resources. Published on 14 October: Images, branding and other communication resources for use when supporting the UK Transition campaign in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
