The Brexit transition period is now over and the UK has left the EU customs union and single market. This means a number of significant changes for business, where new rules have already come into effect on how they trade goods with Europe or represent businesses who do.

If your business deals with the EU, you will have to follow new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, data and hiring. For specific details on the new customs processes and what you need to do to keep trading in the EU, we’ve linked numerous online resources throughout this blog that outline what you need to know.

Exporting

As the UK is no longer under the umbrella of EU rules, goods moving across the UK border are imports or exports which, crucially, impacts the process for businesses sending goods from the UK to the EU.

If you’re planning to export goods from Great Britain to the EU, be aware that you might need an export license depending on the goods that you export, and there are rules for how some types of goods are transported. You can visit HMRC’s published guides online on importing and exporting.

This will provide information on the necessary actions you need to take, covering the key processes such as:

• zero-rated VAT;
• customs declaration;
• using an intermediary;
• and information on licences, certificates and authorisations.

This tool is also available for checking duties and customs procedures, and also provides useful information on the rules and restrictions, tax and duty rates and what exporting documents you need.

Customs declarations

You now need to complete a customs declaration when you import and export goods with the EU. You’ll also need to make sure that you have registered and obtained an EORI number to export goods (this identifies the business as having permission to move goods out of the UK).

There is guidance available online explaining how to make import declarations for goods, simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, and delayed import declarations.

You’ll also need to decide whether you’ll use a customs intermediary, or make the declarations yourself. HMRC’s guidance here outlines your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary.

Importing

What do you need to know about Staged Controls?  The Government has published the following documents online covering the three stages of the new border controls, outlining the specific actions that businesses must take to ensure they are compliant with these new rules.

Staying vigilant about scams

It’s more crucial than ever to be aware and protect yourself from scams – they often look authentic by mimicking government messages (you can also check out our recent blog post on HMRC’s warning to self-assessment tax payers).

Further support is available by searching ‘scams’ on GOV.UK and for more information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can report suspicious activity to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.

Where to find further advice

To ensure you’re familiar and stay compliant with the new rules, the Transition Checker tool on the GOV.UK is a good place to start. You can also visit HMRC’s YouTube channel or trader checklist for additional resources.

If you have specific questions on the actions you need to take to navigate the new rules and would like to speak to a member of the TS Partners team, please get in touch today.