As of 1 January 2021, the UK will cease to be bound by EU Single Market and Customs Union rules which have applied on a transitional basis under the Withdrawal Agreement since our formal exit on 31 January this year.
The Government has a dedicated UK Transition webpage, covering citizens and businesses in all sectors. This is structured around navigating to a personalised list of actions based on answers to specific questions about individual circumstances.
The EU has also issued a series of detailed advice notices on How to get ready for the end of Transition together with a Checklist for Traders aimed at businesses in the EU.
Many of the changes described will take effect irrespective of the new Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the UK and the EU. The primary purpose of the Agreement is to avoid the introduction of tariffs, but it will also cover Rules of Origin and potentially the mutual recognition of standards and so-called level playing field issues.
NORTHERN IRELAND
The exception to this is Northern Ireland, where the Protocol to the existing Withdrawal Agreement lays down rules which will apply with or without a wider trade deal. Separate negotiations are taking place on the detailed implementation of the Protocol, which are still in progress. However the Government has established a specific Trader Support Service which is now open for registration.
MAIN STEPS NECESSARY TO CONTINUE TO TRADE WITH THE EU
At a minimum, businesses who wish to trade with the EU need to do the following
- Make sure you have a valid EORI number which starts with GB
- Make sure your UK approved food businesses are listed with the EU if you or your suppliers wish to export POAO to the EU or NI
- Register for EHCs online and register to notify imports through IPAFFS.
- Understand customs procedures.
- Follow the procedures that will apply to your trade as outlined in the government’s latest Border Operating Model
- Consider using a Customs Intermediary. If you decide not to use an intermediary, you will need to make customs declarations yourself.
- Ensure your Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) outlining delivery and shipping responsibilities are correct and up to date.
All of these issues are dealt with in more depth in the following sections and frequently-asked-questions sections of this website.
A revised version of Defra’s published digital guide covering the key actions food and drink businesses may need to take after the end of the transition period (from 1 January 2021) is expected to be published once further information becomes available. Not all the actions covered will be relevant to every business and you should still continue to check the link for updates.
The guide is available to download, alongside a range of other digital assets: https://shwca.se/FoodandDrinkTransition
IGD have produced a helpful self contained guidance document here .
Seafish have also produced a self contained guidance on trade in fish and fishery products here.
Further guidance from the Marine Management Organisation for the UK fish catching sector and for exporters is available here.