EU Exit Business Advice

Read previous EU Exit Bulletins here

30 November 2020

Government warns UK firms to act now on EU data flows

The UK Government is advising businesses to act now and work with EU/EEA organisations that transfer personal data to them to put in place alternative transfer mechanisms, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to ensure that data can continue to flow lawfully from 1 January.

The EU is currently conducting a data adequacy assessment of the UK and with only weeks to go until the end of the transition period, the EU has yet to signal that the UK’s data protection regime is adequate. If the EU grants a positive adequacy decision by 1 January 2021, it would mean that personal data can flow freely from the EU/EEA to the UK, as it does now.

 

Guidance for hauliers and commercial drivers

The Government has published guidance in the form of a ‘Haulier Handbook’, as a one-stop-shop for hauliers and commercial operators working internationally, providing key information on how to prepare vehicles and goods to ensure a smooth process and help minimise disruption at the border.

 

Green Cards and GB stickers required on vehicles

The Government is advising that UK drivers are likely to need a Green Card to drive their vehicles in the EU (including the Republic of Ireland) from 1 January 2021.

A Green Card, which is an international certificate of motor insurance, is accepted in the 48 countries that are part of the Green Card scheme. UK drivers and operators should take action to ensure that they have Green Cards for all vehicles and trailers from 1 January 2021. You can get Green Cards from the insurance company insuring the vehicle or trailer.

Drivers will also need to display a GB sticker to the rear of the vehicle and trailer, even if the number plates include the GB identifier under the EU logo. Vehicles registered in Great Britain or Northern Ireland don’t need to display a GB sticker to drive in Ireland.

 

Information about the UK points-based immigration system

Information for employers to help them prepare for the UK’s new point-based immigration system from 1 January 2021 has been updated to include links to a new podcast on the future of immigration.

 

Trading under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules

Guidance has been updated to reflect the latest information about trading under WTO rules from 1 January 2021 if no trade agreement exists between the UK and another country.

WTO rules state that the same trading terms must be applied to all WTO members, unless there is a trade agreement between two or more countries. This is known as Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment. The UK currently trades with many countries on WTO terms, including China, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

 

Resources to support businesses that trade with the EU

The Government has produced a series of videos explaining what businesses need to do to be ready for 1 January 2021, covering a range of subjects including exports and imports, customs, commodity codes and controlled goods.

The Department for International Trade is also hosting a series of one-hour webinars between 3 and 17 December tailored for UK businesses who import and export goods. You can register now for the next webinar on 3 December at 10:30 am.

HMRC is also hosting a series of webinars between 1 and 4 December to provide support with customs declarations.

 

New public sector procurement process

The Government has published the first of two Procurement Policy Notes, introducing the new ‘Find a Tender’ service, a new e-notification service that will be used to post and view public sector procurement notices from 1 January.

 

Protection of trademarks and intellectual property

The Government has updated its guidance for businesses and organisations holding EU trademarks at the end of the transition period. On the 1 January 2021, the Intellectual Property Office will create a comparable UK trademark for all right holders with an existing EU trademark.

Information for customers and users of IP about how the IP system and the Intellectual Property Office will operate after the end of the transition period has also been published.

 

Support for trading in or via Northern Ireland

From 1st January 2021, the Northern Ireland Protocol will come into effect and as a result there will be changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

To help businesses and traders of all sizes to navigate these changes, the UK Government has launched the Trader Support Service and businesses are being encouraged to sign up now. The service will:

• Provide a free end-to-end support package to manage import and safety and security declarations on behalf of traders.
• Educate businesses on what the Northern Ireland Protocol means for them, and the steps they need to take to comply with it. This includes online training sessions and webinars happening now.
• Help to complete relevant declaration forms for all businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland under new processes in the Northern Ireland Protocol that start from 1 January.

 

Tariffs and Free Trade Agreement 

Q1: Will, there be a review of the 10% UK global tariff on EVs, it is inappropriate for Government to have a tariff on these vehicles and set ambitious goals to adopt them. The UK needs all the EVs it can get from the EU and beyond.

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• At the end of 2020 the UK will transition to MFN terms with all those nations that it does not have a free trade agreement with. The UKGT is the UK’s permanent MFN tariff schedule and will come into force on 1 Jan 2021. This will be applied to imports arriving in the UK not covered by a preferential trade deal such as a Free Trade Agreement.
• There are currently no plans to review the current UKGT schedule. It was developed following an extensive public consultation where stakeholders from across the UK had the opportunity to feed in. Over 1,300 responses were received.
• We think this strikes the right balance of downward pressure on costs for UK industry and households, whilst supporting sensitive sectors.
• Like all government policy, we remain open to hearing feedback from stakeholders on the UKGT. However, businesses should begin preparing for this simpler, easier to use and lower tariff regime to come into effect from 1 January 2021.

Q2: The industry is fuelled by data, if negotiations fail it will take time for OEMs to update their pricing and for accurate data to be fed through into the quoting systems used by firms. How is the government working to ensure there will not be too small a time period between the end of talks and the introduction fo tariffs? Do OEMs have strategies in place, given this is now a second “no-deal” scenario?

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• The UK announced its new MFN tariff regime - the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) on May 19th 2020. This will be applied to imports arriving in the UK not covered by a preferential trade deal such as a Free Trade Agreement.
• This announcement ensured businesses – including OEMs - could prepare for the new terms of trade next year.
• Regarding the EU, we have put forward our proposals and are working hard to reach a deal - our aim is a zero tariff, zero quota Free Trade Agreement, as avoiding tariffs is beneficial to both sides.

Q3: There are a huge number of vehicles in the order banks, what is the government doing to ensure these vehicles are not suddenly hit with an unplanned tariff if the talks don’t succeed? Business and consumer cannot afford to absorb a 10% hike in vehicle prices.

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• Regarding the EU, we have put forward our proposals and are working hard to reach a deal - our aim is a zero tariff, zero quota Free Trade Agreement, as avoiding tariffs is beneficial to both sides.
• The Prime Minister spoke with the President of the European Commission on Saturday, they agreed that progress had been made in recent weeks, agreed on the importance of finding an agreement, if at all possible, and instructed their Chief Negotiators to work intensively to try to bridge remaining gaps on issues such as fisheries and the level playing field.
• The UK announced its new MFN tariff regime - the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) on May 19th 2020. This will be applied to imports arriving in the UK not covered by a preferential trade deal such as a Free Trade Agreement.
• This announcement ensured businesses – including OEMs - could prepare for the new terms of trade next year.

Q4: Will an FTA with the USA include auto? If so can we expect cheaper EVs from there from next year?

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• We are discussing automotive as part of the UK - US FTA. We had initial discussions in market access talks (tariffs) in the 4th round of negotiations in late Sept - further discussions will continue.
• This is going to be one of the more sensitive areas of the negotiation - we can't go into too much detail right now but you may have seen the UK approach to negotiations published earlier this year which includes an ambition to “reduce tariffs and export burdens on the automotive sector”
• The UK’s approach to negotiations with the US was published in March 2020, following public consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-approach-to-trade-negotiations-with-the-us

Q5: How will the Japan FTA improve access to lower-cost vehicles and parts? 

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• Both sides committed to an ambitious timeline to secure a deal to enter into force by the end of 2020 and agreement in principle was reached on September 11th.
• The deal locks in the benefits of the EU-Japan deal, and goes even further in a number of areas, such as digital and financial services.
• Regarding automotive, the deal will support the sector through reduced tariffs on parts coming from Japan and streamlined regulatory procedures.

Q6: What impact could the rules of origin decision from the EU mean for manufacturing in the UK especially EVs?

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• Getting Rules of Origin (RoO) right is key to delivering our shared zero tariff, zero quota ambition in practice. The UK has developed a set of modern and appropriate proposals for RoO that reflect the nature of UK-EU trade, informed by input from industry on their priorities.
• We are disappointed that the Commission has not yet tabled any proposals for automotive or PSRs in general, despite the fact that this issue is of crucial importance for UK and EU industry.

CAFÉ regulations

Q1: Will the government ensure that UK car registrations count towards OEM’s EU emissions measurements in achieving their targeted emissions reductions in future?

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• There was a consultation over the summer on the approach to regulation CO₂ emissions from new cars and vans following the transition period.
• The approach ensures that registrations in GB are regulated in a manner at least as ambitious as current arrangements.
• NI vehicles will continue to be captured under the EU regime as the regulations are listed in Annex II to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Q2: If we fall outside those metrics there what incentives are the government pursuing to ensure OEMs supply EVs into the UK?

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• From a regulatory perspective, the incentive to deploy ULEVs and ZEVs will remain the same as the domestic regulation will effectively copy across the EU legislation, with corrections to ensure that it will work domestically.
• The March 2020 Budget included £533 million to extend Plug-in Grant schemes for ultra-low emission vehicles to 2023 and £500 million to support the rollout of super-fast electric vehicle charging network.

Customs

Q1: What is the process for a vehicle or part landed in the UK, if there is a FTA with an exporter? And What is the process for a vehicle or part landed in the UK if there is no FTA with the export nation?

Answer from HM Revenue & Customs:

• Regardless of FTA customs processes will be need to be followed from 1/1/2021.
• For standard goods from January to July there will be a staged approach option (for non-controlled goods) allowing import with entry into declarants records and a supplementary declaration six months from date of import. All current customs processes are also available
• There is more information in some step by step guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-import-and-export-goods-between-great-britain-and-the-eu-from-1-january-2021

Q2: Will you be able to take delivery of a part or car with an outstanding tariff on it?

Answer from HM Revenue & Customs:

• As above customs duties will be payable at the point of full or supplementary declarations, so if a trader uses the staged customs option the import can be made and the duties paid up to six months later.

Q3: Who has to pay the tariff practically? The final customer? Delivery firm? Etc.

Answer from HM Revenue & Customs:

• This can depend on the contract you have with the exporter of your goods but usually the declarant on the import record. More information on customs liability (though please note changes are being made to joint liability ahead of transition and guidance will be updated to reflect that) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/customs-debt-liability and options on how to pay. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/paying-vat-and-duties-on-imports

Q4: What actions if gov taking to ensure that the supply of vehicles and parts will be uninterrupted?

Answer from HM Revenue & Customs:

• The Border Operating Model - GOV.UK provides an information on how border flows will work post transition. HMRC has introduced staged customs controls to allow businesses time to prepare on customs import processes.

Q5: Parts are a specific concern is there any workstream from gov to make sure that the UK's nearly 40 million cars, vans and HGVs keep moving?

Answer from HM Revenue & Customs:

• HMRC stakeholder engagement includes key industry partners such as SMMT to get input on particular automotive sector concerns.

Answer from the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy:

• Within our Advanced Manufacturing directorate, BEIS has a dedicated team covering automotive manufacturing. We cover a wide range of issues including working alongside colleagues from across government to ensure our stakeholders are informed on how best to prepare for the end of the transition period.  Many businesses have already begun preparing for life outside the customs union and we urge others to do the same. This includes getting an EORI number and making plans for completing customs declarations, where traders will need a customs agent or their own software. We’d encourage traders to make use of gov.uk guidance on importing and exporting between GB and the EU from January 1st. Businesses can also subscribe to receive the BEIS Transition bulletin here and sign up to for webinars here.

Northern Ireland

Q1: Can a rental firm dispose of an ex-rental car (between 6 months and 12 months old) from the Northern Irish market into the British used car market?

Answer from Cabinet Office:

• Yes

Q2: Will rental firms need to purchase new vehicle stock through Dublin and not British supply chains?

Answer from Cabinet Office:

• NI rental firms will be able to purchase stock through British supply chains. There is an outstanding question about exactly which goods that are moved to Northern Ireland from Great Britain are 'at risk' of entering the single market and have tariffs applied, but the the UK Government position remains that there should be no tariffs payable on all internal UK trade, and in any case, full use will be made of waivers and reimbursements to minimise the impact on business in any scenario.

13 November 2020

29 October 2020 update

The UK’s trade relationship with Japan 

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed on 23 October. 

The Government has published a parliamentary report containing an overview of the agreement, economic analysis of trade between the UK and Japan and an explanation of any changes or significant differences between the UK-Japan trade agreement and the EU-Japan trade agreement. An impact assessment has also been published to provide information on the potential economic impacts of the agreement. 

Existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries 

The Government has updated its guidance on Existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries to reflect the signing of the UK-Japan Agreement. 

The guidance includes information on the trade agreements the UK has already signed and our discussions with countries the EU has a trade agreement with. The UK is seeking to reproduce the effects of existing EU agreements for when they no longer apply to the UK after 31 December 2020. 

If we do not reproduce the effects of an existing EU agreement, trade with other World Trade Organization (WTO) members will take place on WTO terms from 1 January 2021. 

22 October 2020 update

Update on the progress of EU trade negotiations 

Responding to a statement made yesterday by EU Chief Negotiator Michael Barnier, in which he acknowledged that movement would be needed from both sides in the talks if agreement was to be reached, the Prime Minister has issued a statement confirming that the UK will welcome the EU team to London to resume negotiations later this week.  

17 September 2020 update

The UK secures a Free Trade Agreement with Japan

The UK’s first major trade deal as an independent trading nation has been made with Japan. The deal will give UK businesses the benefit of tariff-free trade on 99% of exports to Japan in a deal expected to be worth an estimated £15.2 billion.

The deal is also an important step towards joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), giving UK businesses a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region and help to increase the resilience and diversity of our supply chains.

20 August 2020 update

The UK Government has published a list of countries and trading blocs with whom they have a signed trade agreement that is expected to take effect when existing EU trade agreements no longer apply to the UK, from 1 January 2021.  

There is also a list of countries and trading blocs with who trade discussions are still underway and EU trading terms are still in place. 

If the UK Government does not reproduce the effects of an existing EU agreement, trade with other World Trade Organization (WTO) members will take place on WTO terms when EU trade agreements cease to apply to the UK. Find out more about trading under WTO terms. 

13 August 2020 update

Negotiations with the EU

• 5th round negotiations continue following 6 weeks of intense discussions
• Negotiations may continue well into Autumn
• Still significant differences between what the two sides want, particularly around ‘level playing field’ and fisheries
• Businesses are being advised to prepare now as it is looking unlikely that a deal will be reached.

Negotiations with the USA

• 3rd round negotiations continue with the USA, the second largest negotiation market
• USA has said it will apply tariffs to the EU and officials are trying to remove the threat of punitive tariffs being applied to the UK
• Time isn’t as much a pressure as with EU negotiations because the UK is not losing market access at the end of the year.

Negotiations with Australia and New Zealand

• 1st round of negotiations have taken place. Nothing yet to report as it was mainly introductory, outlining what each party hopes to achieve.

 

13 November 2020 update

20 August 2020 update

Be aware of mobile roaming charges from January 

From 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end. Members are advised to check with your phone operator to find out about any roaming charges that you or any employees going overseas might incur from January. 

13 August 2020 update

EU funding

Businesses are being reminded that they can still apply for EU funding under the current spending framework and a full list of funds available is published on the Gov.UK website. The deadline for applications will depend on which fund is being applied for.

Customs declaration grants

The UK Government is offering three customs declaration grants to help businesses with funding for recruitment, training and IT improvements to enable their business to complete customs declarations. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is administering the scheme on behalf of the HMRC and applications should be made online through PwC.

Rules relating to online activities 

Guidance has been published on the eCommerce Directive after the transition period, as rules relating to online activities in EEA countries may newly apply to UK online service providers who operate in those countries from 1 January 2021.  

The eCommerce Directive currently allows EEA online service providers to operate in any EEA country, while only following relevant rules in the country in which they are established. This framework will no longer apply to UK providers as the UK will have left the EEA. Firms are being advised to prepare for these changes now. 

13 August 2020 update

.EU domain names

From 1 January 2021, you’ll no longer be able to register or renew an .eu domain name if your organisation, business or undertaking is established in the UK but not in the EU/European Economic Area (EEA), or you live outside of the EU/EEA and are not an EU/EEA citizen. Businesses with an .eu domain name should check eligibility and, if necessary, discuss with your local domain name registrar whether to transfer your internet presence to another top-level domain.

 

30 November 2020 update

13 November 2020 update

29 October 2020 update

Free webinars discussing legal changes from 1 January 

The Ministry of Justice, Law Society and Bar Council are holding a series of free webinars, including: 

11 November 2020, 10:00 - 11:00 End of transition and intellectual property. Register here to attend this webinar, exploring how in future UK businesses and lawyers can both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property rights across Europe. 

13 August 2020 update

International trademark registrations

International trademark registrations protected in the EU under the Madrid Protocol will no longer enjoy protection when the transition period ends. To address this, on 1 January 2021, the UK Government will create a comparable trademark (IR) in relation to each international (EU) trademark designation which has protected status immediately before 1 January 2021.

13 November 2020 update

29 October 2020 update

The Northern Ireland Protocol and the movement of goods 

New guidance has been published on moving excise goods as freight under the Northern Ireland Protocol in addition to guidance on Accounting for VAT on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021. 

For those who move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, or vice versa, the Trader Support Service is also available to provide guidance and support relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol. 

17 September 2020 update

CMA to oversee new ‘Office for the Internal Market’

The UK government has laid out plans to establish an independent monitoring body, the Office for the Internal Market (OIM), who will oversee the functioning of the UK internal market.

The body will sit within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and provide independent, technical advice to parliament and the devolved administrations on regulation that may damage the UK’s internal market.

The CMA will have powers to monitor and report on the effectiveness of the internal market, and will need to report on the functioning of the internal market every 12 months, and the effectiveness of the bill’s provisions on mutual recognition and non-discrimination every five years. 

Controversial UK Internal Market Bill presented to Parliament

The Government presented the UK Internal Market Bill to Parliament on 9 September, which is designed to guarantee that companies can trade unhindered in every part of the UK.

The Bill has made headlines for the controversial provision that would allow ministers to disregard parts of the Northern Ireland protocol. The Institute for Government believes that the UK Government should be prepared to compromise on the Internal Market Bill, claiming that “the stage is now set for a major stand-off between the UK government and devolved administrations.”

In a meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee on 10 September, Vice President Šefčovič detailed the European Union’s concerns, and requested that the UK withdraw the UK Internal Market Bill. The UK Government made clear that the legislative timetable for the Bill would continue as planned.

20 August 2020 update

Government sets out plans for seamless trade between UK nations 

The Government has laid out plans to ensure that businesses across the whole of the UK will continue to enjoy seamless internal trade when we leave the transition period at the end of the year.  

The Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy has conducted a four-week consultation on its plans for the UK Internal Market, in which it sets out options to protect the flow of goods and services within the UK.  

Many businesses depend on trade with the home nations more than any other partner. In Scotland, sales of produce to the rest of the UK are worth £52.1 billion per year, accounting for over 60% of all exports, more than all other nations which Scotland trades with combined. Similarly, about 50% of Northern Ireland’s sales are to Great Britain and 75% of exports of Welsh goods are consumed in other parts of the UK.   

From 1 January 2021, powers in at least 70 policy areas previously exercised at an EU level will flow directly to the devolved administrations in Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast for the first time. This will give the devolved administrations power over more issues than they have ever had before, without removing any of their current powers. 

13 August 2020 update

Northern Ireland Protocol

New guidance has been published to provide support for UK businesses moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland. Businesses will need to engage in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol, which takes effect on 1 January 2021.

The Government states that changes for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be kept to an absolute minimum with a new Trader Support Service, available to all traders at no cost to provide wraparound support, alongside the published guidance.

30 November 2020 update

13 November 2020 update

29 October 2020 update

Preparing businesses who move goods between GB and EU 

HMRC has written to VAT-registered businesses highlighting actions that they need to take to prepare for new processes for moving goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021. 

They explain what businesses need to do to prepare for new processes, including: 

• making sure they have a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number 
• deciding how they will make customs declarations 
• checking if their imported goods are eligible for staged import controls 

These actions will not change regardless of the outcome of the Government’s negotiations with the EU. The updated Border Operating Model provides further detail on how the GB-EU border will work and the actions that traders, hauliers and passengers need to take.

Guidance updated for international road haulage 

Guidance on carrying out international road haulage has been updated explaining what UK goods vehicle operators need to do to ensure that they are adhering to the rules when carrying out international road haulage as of 1 January 2021.  

The guidance provides advice on what documentation is needed, including VE103 certificates when taking rented or lease vehicles abroad. 

Applications open for ECMT permits on 2 November 

The Government has updated its guidance on International road haulage permits: ECMT permits 2021 explaining the criteria for allocating ECMT permits and confirming what hauliers need to do as new rules will be in place from 1 January 2021 for those who carry goods to, from or through the EU. 

Hauliers will be able to apply for a permit from 2 November via a digital application system and are advised to read the information on Gov.uk explaining what ECMT permits are for as well as the updated guidance. 

22 October 2020 update

Government launches plans to keep trade flowing 

The Department for Transport has announced its plans to keep trade flowing by minimising the risk of disruption at the end of the transition period. 

A new communication campaign targeting hauliers through radio, press and digital advertising is being launched to make sure that hauliers are aware of the upcoming changes and have the correct documentation, reducing the risk of delays at the border.  

It will be mandatory for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the Short Straits channel crossings to obtain a digital Kent Access Permit (KAP) and hauliers are being encouraged to apply for a European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) permit as a precautionary measure. Following the end of the transition period, ECMT permits may be needed to support hauliers accessing the EU. 

30 September 2020 update

Government warns of potential delays affecting the flow of goods  

The Government has published a Reasonable Worst Case Scenario outlining the potential disruption to freight travelling between Great Britain and the EU at the end of the transition period, stating that on 1 January 2021, 40-70% of trucks travelling to the EU might not be ready for new border controls. 

The lack of capacity to hold unready trucks at the French ports, or to turn away freight prior to boarding in the UK, could reduce the flow rate to 60-80% of normal levels.  

While the assumption is that the risk of long queues and a constraint to flow would diminish in the first three months, the actual flow of goods would depend on the length of time it takes those exporting/importing businesses that were not ready on 1 January to get ready for new requirements. There also remains a risk of continuing disruption caused by Schengen controls being applied rigorously at the juxtaposed controls at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. 

17 September 2020 update

Government writes to businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU

HMRC has written to businesses about the new trading arrangements when the UK leaves the EU single market and customs Union, highlighting actions that need to be taken now to continue trading with the EU from 1 January 2021, including:

• Make sure you have a GB EORI number
• Decide how you’re going to make customs declarations
• See if your imported goods are eligible for staged controls
• Decide how you will account for import VAT when you make a customs declaration
• Check if Import VAT is due at the border
• Check the Controlled goods list to see if you need to complete declarations from January. If your goods are not on the list you can choose to delay import declarations until July 2021 
• Check the government’s tariff tables and consider how your trade will be affected
• Sign up for the new Trader Support Service, if you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK 

Video guidance for businesses who are brand new to customs

HMRC has created a series of short videos aimed at helping those businesses brand new to customs:

• What is Customs? 
• What you need to know to bring goods into the UK? 
• What you need to do to send goods out of the UK?

The Government has published a list of customs agents and fast parcel operators who can help submit customs declarations from 1 January 2021.

20 August 2020 update

Preparing for import and export requirements 

From January 2021, traders who are exporting goods to the EU will need to make export declarations and ensure they have the right certificates and licences required for entry.  

In order to fulfil the import process, traders will need to: 

• Have a GB Economic Operator Registration and Identification - or EORI number before moving their goods. 

• Have the commodity Code of their goods – which will be needed to make a customs declaration and of course to calculate duties on an import. 

• Know the customs value of their goods – the rules for which are based on the WTO valuation agreement. 

• Have considered whether they are able to, and would benefit from, using any of the available simplifications or facilitations, including deferring customs declarations for standard goods. 

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove made a statement in the House of Commons confirming that in order to give businesses more time to adjust, border controls would be introduced in three stages up to 1 July 2021. 

13 August 2020 update

Phased approach to new border controls for trade

As of 1 January 2021, the UK will operate a full, external border as a sovereign nation. This means that controls will be placed on the movement of goods between Great Britain and the EU. To afford industry extra time to make necessary arrangements, the UK Government has taken the decision to introduce the new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021.

The Border Operating Model provides clarity and certainty for the border industry and businesses, including technical detail on how the border with the EU will work after the transition period and the actions that traders, hauliers, ports and carriers need to take.

The BVRLA has a dedicated Taking a Vehicle Abroad web page containing all the information that members and customers need to know.

30 November 2020 update

13 November 2020 update

30 September 2020 update

Green cards: Motorists advised to check documentation requirements for travelling abroad  

The Government has confirmed that, although the UK wants to remain part of the Green Card-free circulation area, this is subject to the European Commission issuing an implementing decision that would ensure that UK motorists can drive in the EU without a Green Card.  

In the absence of this decision, UK motorists wishing to travel to EEA member states, Switzerland, Serbia and Andorra may need to carry Green Cards or other valid proof of motor insurance from 1 January. 

Motorists are advised to contact their motor insurance provider a month before travel in order to be provided with a Green Card for their vehicle and trailer. New rules on Green Cards mean that if they are required, they can now be printed out by policy-holders on white paper.  

For updates on documentation requirements when driving rented or leased vehicles abroad, check the Taking a Vehicle Abroad page. 

20 August 2020 update

New rules for those taking pets abroad 

Members may want to make customers aware that should they intend to drive abroad with a pet, new rules will apply from 1 January requiring them to act now. 

The UK Government has applied to the European Commission to be listed in the EU Pet Travel Scheme and is awaiting a decision. Those taking pets abroad are advised to contact their vet at least 4 months before travelling to get the latest advice. 

The updated Guidance on Pet Travel to Europe from 1 January provides full details on what steps need to be taken should the UK not be listed in the scheme.  

22 October 2020 update

UK will mirror EU CO2 targets post EU Exit 

The Government has confirmed that the UK will mirror the EU CO2 regulations for UK registrations from January 2021.  

As of next year, registrations in the UK will no longer count towards manufacturer’s EU CO2 targets. This means that manufacturers will have to meet ambitious CO2 targets in the UK after the end of the transition period, with mirrored fines and planned future reductions of 15% for cars and vans by 2025, and 37.5% for cars and a 31% for vans by 2030.  

The BVRLA remains concerned about whether manufacturers will maintain an adequate supply of electric vehicles into the UK beyond January and is in regular discussion with Government on this matter.