Please see the latest Business Readiness updates below.
CONTENTS
Border Operating Model
The UK has left the Single Market and Customs Union and it is essential that businesses make the necessary preparations to continue to trade with the EU.
The Border Operating Model has been updated to reflect the UK’s new Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU. The vast majority of the Border Operating Model remains unchanged. The main updates that have been made relate to:
Guidance now includes case studies that have been created to represent end-to-end scenarios that will happen between GB and EU, importing and exporting goods from January 2021. These show not just the journeys for standard goods, but also for journeys with additional requirements such as those using the Common Transit Convention or transporting controlled goods. This should still be used in conjunction with the Border Operating Model which will contain further details, particularly for controlled goods.
For more information, click here.
Trade
NEW: Trading with developing nations: Guidance has been issued with details on the UK’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Trading under WTO rules: Guidance on how to trade with other countries if there is no UK trade agreement has been updated with new guidance for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: UK Sanctions: Guidance has been updated to reflect that the UK’s sanctions framework has changed. For more information, click here.
Importing and Exporting
NEW: Rules of origin: Check your goods comply to trade tariff-free with the EU: With a trade deal in place, UK businesses can trade tariff-free with the EU from 1 January if their products meet agreed Rules of Origin. UK traders need to check if their products comply and how to prove they originate from the UK. For detailed guidance on the rules of origin requirements under the UK’s deal with the EU click here.
NEW: Apply to access Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight: Guidance has been issued on what to do if you need to use the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system to make an import or export declaration. For more information, click here.
New: Claim VAT refunds in Northern Ireland or the EU, if you are an established in Northern Ireland or in the EU: Guidance has been issued about how relevant businesses can claim refunds of VAT incurred on goods in the EU and Northern Ireland using the EU VAT refund system. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: How to report EU sales made on or before 31 December 2020 for VAT: Guidance on how to report supplies of goods and services to VAT-registered customers in an EU country using an EC Sales List has been updated in respect of the end of the Brexit transition period. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Register to make an entry summary declaration in Great Britain: Guidance on using the S&S (Safety and Security) GB Service if you import goods into Great Britain and need to make an entry summary declaration has been updated with information about what to do if the service is unavailable. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Open general export licence (export of dual-use items to EU member states): Guidance has been updated to take into account changes in legislation following the end of the transition period. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: List of customs agents and fast parcel operators: For more information, click here.
NEW: UK Licence for the Community for International Road Haulage: Guidance on getting a UK Licence for the Community to transport goods by road to or through the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and the rules you must follow has been issued. For more information, click here.
NEW: Sending parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021: Guidance has been issued to help you find out what you need to do if you are a business or individual using an express carrier (including Royal Mail Group) to move parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For more information, click here.
NEW: Carry out international road haulage: Guidance has been issued for what UK goods vehicle operators need to do to carry out international road haulage. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Check which international road haulage permits you need: Guidance on which licences and permits you need to operate vehicles with gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tonnes, on international journeys from the UK, has been updated. Guidance now addresses the replacement of the EU Community Licence with the UK licence for the community for international journeys within the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Guidance also includes a new guide on carrying out a road haulage job entirely within one EU country (cabotage) or between 2 EU countries (cross-trade). For more information, click here.
UPDATED: International road haulage: HGV driver documents: Guidance on which documents you need to carry, if you are the driver or a passenger in a lorry or other HGV crossing international borders, has been updated. Guidance now includes updated information on international driving permits, the continued use of UK issued European Health Insurance Cards in EU countries, COVID-19 testing and getting HGVs ready to cross the border, including getting a Kent Access Permit. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: International road haulage: HGV and trailer documents: Guidance about HGV and trailer documents you need to legally cross international borders in a UK-registered vehicle has been updated. Updates include when GB stickers must be displayed, the rules for carrying ‘green cards’, certificates you need to carry for any specialist vehicles, new guidance on haulage licence and permit documents you need to carry, and vehicle security checklists. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Moving goods to common or EU transit countries: Guidance on using common or Union transit has been updated to include information about the office of departure process in Northern Ireland for starting your transit movement, from 1 January 2021. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Moving goods through the Port of Holyhead with an ATA Carnet: Information for moving goods through the Port of Holyhead with an ATA Carnet has been updated. For more information, click here.
Marketing Goods
NEW: Guidance has been issued for placing manufactured goods:
NEW: Using the UKCA marking: Guidance has been issued to help you find out if you need to use the UKCA marking and how to use it. For more information, click here.
NEW: Using the UKNI marking: Guidance has been issued to help you find out if you need to use the UKNI marking and how to use it. For more information, click here.
NEW: Placing manufactured goods on the EU market: Guidance has been issued on what you need to do to comply with regulations on manufactured goods you place on the EU market. For more information, click here.
Northern Ireland specific guidance
UPDATED: Trading and moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland: Guidance has been updated to include information about bringing goods into Northern Ireland from Great Britain and from outside the EU; how you can check how to claim preferential rates of duty; moving qualifying goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain through Ireland; moving personal goods in your baggage; sending or receiving goods in parcels and moving cash. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Using CHIEF for declaring goods into or out of Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021: EORI number guidance has been added for Northern Ireland traders using CHIEF. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Check if you can declare goods you bring into Northern Ireland not ‘at risk’ of moving into the EU from 1 January 2021: Information has been updated about how to check that goods brought into Northern Ireland from Great Britain are not ‘at risk', when your goods are not ‘at risk’ due to the applicable tariffs and what supporting evidence you’ll need to declare your goods not ‘at risk’. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Claim a waiver for duty on goods that you bring to Northern Ireland from Great Britain: Guidance has been updated with information updated about how often you will need to fill in the customs duty waivers form, after you have made your first claim. For more information, click here.
NEW: Providing services and setting up a business: Guidance has been issued with the steps to take if you want to provide a service or set up a business in the UK. For more information, click here.
NEW: Registering and renewing .eu domain names in the UK: Guidance has been issued so that you can find out what you need to do if you hold a .eu domain or want to register one. For more information, click here.
New: Using your mobile in EU and EEA countries: Guidance on how leaving the EU has affected mobile roaming in EU and EEA countries. For more information, click here.
NEW: UK economic interest groupings (UKEIG): Guidance, explaining the main features of UK Economic Interest Groupings (UKEIG) and sets out the main differences between the UKEIG and EEIG corporate forms, has been issued. For more information, click here.
NEW: UK Societas: Information has been issued on the administration and management of a UK Societas. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Changes to Companies House forms from 1 January 2021: The list of Companies House forms has been updated following the end of the Brexit transition period. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Changing your company registration from 1 January 2021: Guidance on how to find out if your business will need to change its company registration following the end of the Brexit transition period has been updated. For more information, click here
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.
Data, Intellectual Property and Copyright law
NEW: Using personal data in your business or other organisation: Guidance has been issued on what action you need to take regarding data protection and data flows with the EU/EEA. For more information, click here.
NEW: Retaining protection in the UK for EU Intellectual Property rights: Guidance has been issued with information on retaining protection in the UK for EU Intellectual Property rights. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Intellectual property after 1 January 2021: There have been changes to UK intellectual property law to ensure the UK’s departure from EU IP systems. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Changes to copyright law from 1 January 2021: Guidance covering the impacts on UK right holders and users including businesses, cultural heritage institutions and consumers has been updated to reflect that the end of the transition period. For more information, click here.
Sector specific guidance
Automotive
NEW: Report CO2 emissions for new cars and vans: Guidance has been issued on how vehicle manufacturers should report CO2 emissions for their vehicles. For more information, click here.
Aviation
NEW: Working and operating in the European aviation sector: Guidance has been issued for what you need to do, to work and operate in the aviation industry. For more information, click here.
Chemicals, Substances, Nuclear and Radioactive material
NEW: Shipping radioactive sources between the UK and EU: Guidance has been issued explaining some of the processes that operators need to follow when shipping radioactive sources to and from EU countries. For more information, click here.
NEW: Importing ‘relevant’ nuclear materials from the EU: licensing requirements: Guidance has been issued on what businesses need to do to import ‘relevant’ nuclear materials from the EU. For more information, click here.
NEW: Exporting nuclear-related items: Guidance has been issued with actions that companies need to take to export nuclear-related items. For more information, click here.
NEW: Exporting active substances manufactured in Great Britain for use in EEA and Northern Ireland: Guidance has been published on how the ‘Written Confirmation’ process operates for active substances manufactured in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). For more information, click here.
NEW: Shipping radioactive waste and spent fuel: The UK’s policy on the import and export of radioactive waste and spent fuel has not changed, but there are some changes to the processes that operators need to follow. Guidance is available on this. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Applying for a quota to import or produce ozone-depleting substances (ODS): Guidance on needing a quota to sells ODS that you import or produce has been updated with further guidance on how to apply for ODS quota from 1 January 2021. For more information, click here.
Digital services
NEW: NIS Regulations: UK digital service providers operating in the EU: Guidance has been issued for what UK digital services providers must do to comply with the regulations covering the security of network and information systems. For more information, click here.
NEW: NIS Regulations – non-UK digital service providers operating in the UK: Guidance on what organisations based outside the UK that offer Network and Information Services in the UK must do to comply with the UK’s regulations. For more information, click here.
NEW: The eCommerce Directive after Brexit: What you need to do now that the eCommerce Directive no longer applies to the UK. For more information, click here.
Life Sciences
New: Rolling review for marketing authorisation applications: Guidance has been issued to explain how the rolling review process for marketing authorisation applications will work, and how to apply. For more information, click here.
New: Registering new packaging information for medicines: Guidance has been issued on how and when to register updated packaging and information leaflets when new national marketing authorisations have been issued. For more information, click here.
New: Guidance on pharmacovigilance procedures: Guidance summarising the UK’s approach to pharmacovigilance has been issued. For more information, click here.
Professional Business Services
NEW: Get your EU professional qualification recognised in the UK: Guidance on how to get professional qualifications obtained in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein recognised in the UK has been issued. For more information, click here.
NEW: Accounting for UK companies: Guidance has been issued on how companies incorporated in the UK, or where the parent company is incorporated in the UK, can comply with UK accounting and reporting requirements. For more information, click here.
NEW: Accounting for European Economic Area (EEA) organisations: Guidance has been issued on how EEA companies and groups with a presence in the UK can comply with UK accounting and reporting requirements. For more information, click here.
NEW: Legal Services business owners: Guidance has been issued so that you can check what you need to do if you own a UK legal services business and are a lawyer with qualifications from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. For more information, click here.
NEW: Auditing for UK auditors and audit firms operating in the European Economic Area (EEA): Guidance has been produced for UK audit firms, UK auditors, and those with UK audit qualifications operating in the EEA. For more information, click here.
NEW: Auditing for European Economic Area (EEA) auditors and audit firms operating in the UK: Guidance for EEA audit firms, EEA auditors, and those with EEA qualifications operating in the UK has been issued. For more information, click here.
NEW: Guidance for Lawyers: Guidance for UK lawyers practising in the EU, EEA-EFTA and Switzerland has been issued here. Guidance for EU, EEA-EFTA and Swiss lawyers in the UK is available here.
UPDATED: The system for recognising EU qualified architects in the UK from 1 January 2021: Guidance on the system for recognition of architects with an approved qualification from a European Economic Area (EEA) state or Switzerland from 1 January 2021 has been updated to reflect the provisions for recognition of professional qualifications in the UK–EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement. For more information, click here.
Retail
NEW: Footwear labelling: Guidance containing advice for manufacturers and retailers on footwear labelling has been issued. For more information, click here.
NEW: Textile labelling: Guidance containing advice for manufacturers and retailers on textile labelling has been issued. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Tobacco products and e-cigarette cross-border sales: Guidance on registration for the supply of tobacco products and e-cigarettes to consumers in the UK and European Economic Area has been updated now that the new regulations are in force. For more information, click here.
Research and Innovation
UPDATED: Getting EU Funding: Guidance on continuing to get any funding you have been awarded, including funding you are due to receive after 31 December 2020, has been updated to include details of programmes for which you can still apply for funding, under the current and next spending frameworks. For more information, click here.
Space
NEW: UK involvement in the EU Space Programme: Guidance has been issued on how the UK will participate in the EU Space Programme, including Copernicus and EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EUSST). For more information, click here.
Food and Drink
NEW: Food and drink businesses: working with the EU: Guidance has been issued explaining what you need to do as a food and drink business to work with the EU. For more information, click here.
NEW: Nutrition legislation information sources: Guidance with information to help food businesses comply with nutrition legislation has been issued. For more information, click here
NEW: Importing or moving live animals, animals products and high risk food and feed not of animal origin: Guidance has been issued on the checks you need to make, the documents you need and how to notify the authorities for live animals, animal products and high risk food or feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO). For more information, click here.
NEW: Importing or moving fish to the UK: Guidance has been issued on how to import or move fish for human consumption to the UK. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Export or move livestock and poultry: Guidance on the rules you need to follow to export cattle, pigs, sheep, goat and poultry has been updated with guidance on how to comply with rules from 1 January 2021. For more information, click here.
To register, and for more information. Click here.
