How your business can prepare for trading internationally after Brexit

Author
Fay Daniels
Marketing Manager - Contracts | Business West
26th November 2020

If you trade with the EU, you’re probably eagerly waiting to hear an announcement from the government on what has been agreed regarding trade post Brexit.

Whilst details of an agreement will be key to understanding how some factors will be affected, deal or no deal, there are some ways in which your business can get prepared now for changes that will come into place on 1st January 2021, no matter what is agreed with the EU.

We’ve put together step-by-step guides for both importers and exporters on how to get prepared for changes to trading rules on 1st January 2021, to try and make the transition to the New Year as smooth as possible. 

You can download these via the links above, but we have set out the key points to know below:

1.EORI Number

You will need to ensure your business has an EORI number that starts with GB to move goods to or from the UK. Most companies should already have this, but if you’re not sure you can easily check online with an EORI number validator and then apply if you do not already have one.

2.Commodity Codes

Whether importing from or exporting to the EU, from 1st January you will have to submit customs declarations and these will require you to know the commodity codes of your goods. If you don’t know them, you can look them up online here.

3.Licenses or special requirements

Check if there are any new rules surrounding importing or exporting your goods; whether they need a licence, certificate or different labelling for example. For most controlled goods such as chemicals, food and drink or animals, there will be additional documents/certificates and processes that you will need to follow.

4.Check VAT conditions

You may be able to charge customers VAT at 0% (known as zero rate) when your export goods to the EU after 1st January 2021. Check if you can zero rate your goods here.

For those importing you’ll need to pay customs duties and VAT on all imports from the EU after 1st January 2021. You can look up import duties which will apply online.

5.Customs Declarations

As previously mentioned, businesses will be required to submit customs declarations from 1st January 2021 when trading with the EU. This can be a complicated process and you will need specially trained staff to understand how to do this accurately and efficiently. You can either get a third party to complete your customs declarations for you or complete them yourself. We can offer training on how to do this if you choose the latter option.

It’s important to get prepared now for the changes that will happen to trading rules from 1st January 2021.  With customs declarations expected to increase from the current volume of 55 million up to 255 million in the new year (The National Audit Office), there are concerns over a lack of customs agents able to deal with these efficiently. Avoid delays and extra costs at the border and make sure you take these steps to prepare for 2021.

You can download the guide for importers here and exporters here.

  • Change is coming. Are you prepared?

    From 1st January 2021, you will need to submit Customs Declarations when you trade with any country outside of the UK. ChamberCustoms delivers a Customs Declarations service for UK importers and exporters. Avoid delays. Avoid costly mistakes. Get prepared. 

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  • Importing to the EU?

    Trading rules between the EU and UK will change from 1st January 2021. We've put together a step-by-step guide for businesses to get prepared for the changes Brexit will bring.

  • Exporting to the EU?

    Trading rules between the EU and the UK will change from 1st January 2021. We've put together a guide for exporters to prepare for the changes Brexit will bring.