Please see the latest Business Readiness updates below.
CONTENTS
Rules of Origin: Check your goods comply to trade tariff-free with the EU
As Business Secretary, one of my main priorities is helping businesses understand how to adapt to our new Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU.
We are taking steps to make the process of adjusting to the new environment as simple as possible and to help you make the most of new opportunities in 2021.
One of the important changes is Rules of Origin. Rules of Origin concerns where a product was manufactured and determines the ‘economic nationality’ of a good for international trade. Businesses need to know about them because the Trade and Cooperation Agreement means they can trade with the EU without paying tariffs – but only if their product meets the relevant Rules of Origin.
To export tariff-free into the EU traders must check their goods meet the Rules of Origin requirements set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and have the right documentation. To confirm the requirements for your goods and to find out more about the support available, I encourage you to:
Rules of Origin is one of the topics explained in the new on demand videos which focus on priority topics for businesses. You can also use the Brexit Checker tool on gov.uk/transition, which will provide you with a personalised list of the most up to date actions that your business needs to take.
For any further queries or general business advice you can contact our dedicated business support helplines or ask customs and tax related queries and other border related queries on one of our forums. There is specific guidance and training on moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland on gov.uk.
The government will continue to help businesses grow and prosper as together we forge a new path for our nation.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP
Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
New video content to help keep your business moving
Doing business with Europe has changed. You need to follow new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, data and hiring. All businesses can find out what has changed, and check their preparations, by visiting new video content from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The short, on-demand videos cover 18 topics, including importing and exporting, rules of origin and audit and accounting. Register now to immediately access the video content. New rules are here – make sure your business is prepared.
Business Support Helpline
There are new rules for businesses doing business with the EU from 1 January, and you need to take action now. To help you, a helpline has been set up. For English businesses, the Business Support Helpline can help you identify the actions you need to take. Similar helplines are available for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
For more information for:
businesses in England, call 0800 998 1098
businesses in Scotland, call 0300 303 0660
businesses in Wales, call 0300 060 3000
businesses in Northern Ireland, call 0800 181 4422.
For more information, including opening hours, click here.
