Brexit - support for businesses
If you buy or sell goods to and from the European Union then you need to get ready for changes.
The UK government has published guidance on the changes for businesses at Gov.uk: Brexit transition. Here you can check how transition affects your business and see the actions needed to prepare for the new trading arrangements with the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).
There is also extensive information about importing and exporting goods to and from the EU, moving goods to and from Northern Ireland and travelling, living and working in the EU.
The online questionnaire at Gov.uk: Brexit transition will help you identify what you need to do for the type of goods you import or export.
For businesses that import and export goods and services make sure:
- your business has an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. See Gov.uk: get an EORI number for further information.
- the EU business you are selling to has the required paperwork to receive your goods. Find the UK Trade tariffs for imported goods 2021 at Gov.uk: Check UK trade tariffs from 1 January 2021. You might want to get someone to help you with the customs paperwork on your behalf.
- keep your goods moving if you Gov.uk: transport goods out of the UK by road: step by step
- you have the new certification required for exporting animals and animal goods from GOV.UK. You will also need to use specific ports to move them
Product safety
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published guidance to help businesses comply with changed regulations, including issues such as the use of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking.
Gov.uk: UK product safety and metrology from 1 January 2021
Transport
Hauliers should make sure to have the correct driver, vehicle licences and permits for driving in the EU, along with the correct documentation for the goods you're carrying across EU borders - including your Master Reference Number (MRN). See Gov.uk: Master reference number for further information.
Workforce
Employees practicing and serving clients in the EU may need to have their professional qualifications accredited and may have extra travel requirements. See the following for further information:
- Gov.uk: Visit Europe from 1 January 2021
- Gov.uk: Get your EEA qualification recognised in the UK from 1 January 2021
Intellectual property protection
The International Property Office has published guidance on trademarks, design, patents right law and IP rights after Brexit. See Gov.uk: intellectual property and the transition period.
Data protection
For information on what action you need to take regarding data protection and data flows with the EU/EEA after the end of the transition period see Gov.uk: Using personal data in your business or other organisation from 1 January 2021.
UK Government advice
Information from the UK government is available at:
- Gov.uk: guidance and regulation
- Gov.uk: Brexit news and communications
- Gov.uk: how to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021
- Gov.uk: prepare to export goods from Great Britain to the EU from 1 January 2021
- Gov.uk: Webinars for organisations that trade with the EU
- Gov.uk: The border operating model
National advice and support
There is also extensive information and support available from national organisations:
- British Standards Institute: Reduce the impact of Brexit
- Department for International Trade: Internationalisation Fund
- Health and Safety Executive: Brexit guidance
- Food Standards Agency: guidance on health and identification marks that applies from 1 January 2021
- Department for International Trade
- Department of Trade and Industry: export opportunities
- Enterprise Growth Solutions: overseas market introduction service
- Department for International Trade: export academy
- Business Companion: Leaving the EU - the law from January 2021
- British Chambers of Commerce: Post-transition Brexit checklist
- Federation of Small Businesses: the UK transition
- The Institute of Directors: Navigating Brexit for business
- The Manufacturers Organisation: Support for UK manufacturers as the UK leaves the EU
- Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Sign up for updates
Local advice and support
A number of local organisations have made available useful information on the brexit transition process:
