Ready to trade with the EU?

FROM JANUARY 1, 2022, IF YOU IMPORT OR EXPORT GOODS TO AND FROM THE EU, YOU’LL NEED TO PROVE THEY MEET THE RULES OF ORIGIN TO ACCESS ZERO TARIFFS

The UK has left the EU, and is now independent trading nation, which could mean changes for your business. If you import or export goods to or from the EU, new rules come into force from January 1, 2022.

Rules of origin are a key part of the new trade rules. The UK’s trade deal with the EU means that goods being imported or exported may benefit from a zero rate of customs duty, also called a preferential tariff, as long as the goods originate in either the EU or the UK.

Q AI trade with the EU so what’s changing?

For goods to benefit from the preferential tariffs, you must have proof they meet the UK-EU preferential product-specific rules of origin. Essentially, you’ll need to prove where they have been grown or produced (this might not be the country you purchased them from).

If you export goods, you may also need to hold supplier declarations: documents your supplier provides to you to help establish whether your goods meet the productspecific rules of origin. These are needed as supporting evidence to confirm the goods’ origin when the

You can check this at gov.uk/guidance/usinga-suppliers-declaration-tosupport-a-proof-of-origin.

Q AHow can I prove the origin of my products?

You’ll need either a statement of origin completed by the exporter, or the importer’s knowledge of the products’ origin.

The type of proof you need depends on the type of goods and where they’re being imported from or exported to. From January 1, you can use the Government trade tariff tool (gov.uk/trade-tariff ) for up-to-date, product-by-product tariff information.

Q Anot enough to meet the product-specific rules of origin.

How do I know if I need supplier declarations? What if I cannot prove the origin of my products?

You or your EU customer will pay the full rate of customs duty and could face penalties. You may also be excluded from using the zero-tariff trade agreement the UK has with the EU.