Time to get to grips withnewtradingrules

SUPPORT IS IN PLACE TO HELP COMPANIES ADAPT TO THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS

NEW rules are in place for businesses now the UK has left the EU and the Brexit transition period is over. Businesses have been adapting to new trading processes since January and, while many are already making the arrangements work for them, others are still catching up with the changes.

Any business who needs extra support and guidance in adapting to the new rules can make use of a wealth of resources on the gov.uk website, including the Brexit Checker tool, online webinars and stepby-step guides. The Government has also launched a £20million Brexit Support Fund, giving practical support for SMES to continue to trade effectively with the EU.

The new arrangements include changes to trade and customs procedures, and businesses who export goods to the EU must now make customs declarations. Businesses can make declarations themselves, but many use an intermediary such as a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent to help ensure processes run smoothly.

Essex-based logistics firm Woodland Group manages global supply chains from its owned locations across Europe, the US and Asia.

“Around 30 per cent of our business is in Europe, so it’s a big market for us,” says company director Iain Rowlands, who says the company has worked hard to prepare for the new processes.

In addition to logistics work, Woodland Group carries out thousands of new customs entries every month, as well as offering warehouse and fulfilment facilities to clients across the UK and

Europe. The company has just opened a new fulfilment and distribution facility in South Yorkshire.

“At this point we’re completing more than 3,000 customs entries per month that we wouldn’t have done previously” says Iain, as UK businesses who deal with Europe are turning to them for support with new paperwork requirements.

So what advice would Iain give to companies still getting to grips with the new arrangements? “First, get the basics right, taking all the government support there is,” he says.

“Then I’d say lean on industry experts. Reach out to the specialists out there who have been working on all this for a long time to find the best solutions.

“It might seem like a lot to tackle – and we’ve certainly had some difficult moments – but the quicker we adjust and embrace the opportunities that come through solving a challenge, the better everyone will do.”

for trading in the new era

Buying and selling

You must now make customs declarations when exporting goods to the EU. You can make these yourself but most businesses use an intermediary such as a freight forwarder or customs agent. Make sure you have an EORI number starting with GB. You’ll also need to check that the EU business you’re exporting to is ready. For trade with countries outside the EU, check for any changes to tariffs.

Moving goods between GB and NI

Sign up to the freeto-use Trader Support Service for help and advice. Grace periods are in place for certain goods, and the Movement Assistance Scheme will support agrifood businesses.

Buying goods from the EU

Depending on value, VAT will apply to goods imported from the EU as from the rest of the world. There is no VAT on goods under £135 – unless excise goods – so this shouldn’t be charged to customers.

First get the basics right, then lean on industry experts

IAIN ROWLANDS director, woodland group

Avoid border hold-ups

Hauliers should use the “Check an HGV is ready” service to ensure they have the right documents, and to get a Kent Access Permit if travelling via Dover or Eurotunnel. Hauliers should also have proof of an authorised negative Covid-19 test before arriving in Kent.

Extra help

Support is there to help you manage new processes – including dedicated helplines, webinars with policy experts, video explainers and step-by-step guides. Use the UK Government’s Brexit Checker tool to get personalised actions for your business.