ARE YOU READY?

The UK leaves the single market and customs union on 1 January. If you import and export goods, take these steps

1 Look up “Check How To Export Goods” on gov.uk for information on overseas tariffs, rules and border formalities for worldwide trading.

If you don’t complete the proper documentation or follow the correct procedures, it may result in delays getting goods through customs as well as unexpected taxes on goods upon entry to the destination and country. From January 2021, there will be new requirements for how you export goods from the UK. Use the service at: gov.uk/check-dutiescustoms-exporting.

2 Check what tariff is payable on goods entering the UK from January 1 on the new Global Tariff schedule.

From January 1, 2021, the UK Global Tariff schedule will apply to all goods imported into the UK unless an exception applies. Exceptions include goods you import from a country that has a trade agreement with the UK or from a developing country that pays less or no duty because it’s part of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences. You can check the tariffs that will apply to goods you import at: gov.uk/guidance/ uk-tariffs-from-1january-2021.

3 Check if import VAT is due at the border.

If you import any goods from the EU into Great Britain, you may need to pay Import VAT from January 1, 2021. Import VAT will not be due at the border if goods in a consignment are worth less than £135. The only exception to this is consignments containing excise goods, where import VAT (along with excise and customs duties where applicable) will be due at the border.

4 Signpost your employees to the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you employ EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, you can signpost them to the information they need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, enabling them to secure their future in the UK. The deadline for applying is June 30, 2021.

5 Use gov.uk to identify how your business can be ready to sell certain goods in the UK and EU.

Check what regulations apply to your product. Find out whether you need a new product approval and begin the process as soon as possible. Check whether you need to appoint a new authorised representative to act on your behalf. Speak to your supply chains distributors and understand new legal duties. Consider what marking/ labelling changes might apply to your product.

6 Be prepared on data protection and data transfers.

If you’re a business or organisation that receives personal data from the EU/ EEA, you may need to take action on data protection as we transition to our new relationship with the EU. Check how you can legally continue to receive personal data such as names, addresses or payroll details from organisations in the EU or EEA from January 1, 2021. You may need to update your contracts or take other steps. A UK company that receives customer information from an EU/EEA company, such as names and addresses of customers, suppliers or partners to provide goods or services, should check how they can legally keep receiving the data from January 1, 2021.