Brexit – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The UK has left the EU and new rules for business with the EU came into force on 1 January 2021. Even though we have secured a deal, doing business with Europe has changed. You need to follow new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, data and hiring. Unless you have checked that you are ready, your business may face disruption.

We urge all businesses to visit GOV.UK/transition to take action now, get your personalised list of actions and subscribe to find out when things change.

We recognise that this means a period of change for businesses, at a time when everyone has been responding to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, but this is an unparalleled opportunity for the UK to do things differently and better, and create the blueprint for our growing prosperity through the 21st century.

To take advantage of the UK’s new trading relationship with the EU and keep your business moving, you will have to make a number of changes. These changes will ensure continued flow of people, data, goods and services between the UK and the EU.

What do i need to know about Brexit?

• The UK left the EU on 31st January 2020 and we entered into a Transition Period until 31st December 2020.

• This is a period of time in which we were no longer a member of the EU but continued to be subject to EU rules and a member of the single market and customs union, while the negotiations on our future relationship with the EU were taking place.

• On the 24 December, a deal was agreed, which fully delivers on what the British public voted for in the referendum and in last year’s General Election. It takes back control of our laws, borders, money and fisheries, and ends any role for the European Court.

• This deal is the first free trade agreement the EU has ever reached based on zero tariffs and zero quotas and it’s fantastic news for families and businesses in every part of the UK.

• Now that the transition period is over and the UK has left the single market and customs union, new rules are here, and came into force from 1 January 2021.

• This involves a series of changes and opportunities for businesses.

What does the deal mean for business?

• The deal we have negotiated secures preferential market access to the EU for UK businesses whilst securing the UK’s status as an independent and sovereign country.

• It ensures that there will be no tariffs or quotas for trade in goods with the EU and locks in long-term market access commitments for trade in services.

• Even though we have secured a deal, the way we trade with the EU has changed.

Do I need to do anything?

• Yes, you do. The new rules are here, bringing about a series of changes and opportunities for which we all need to adapt.

The best way to find out what you need to do is to visit GOV.UK/transition. Even if you have completed before, you must check as regulations have been updated.

What are the key actions I might need to take to adjust to the new rules?

• The actions the public and business owners need to take vary based on their circumstances. Some of the key actions include:

• Making sure you are able to travel to the EU and EFTA states, for example by getting comprehensive travel insurance, ensuring your passport is valid, and checking your roaming policy with your mobile phone provider.

• If you want to travel to the EU and EFTA states with your pet, contact your vet at least 1 month before you travel.

• Making sure your business is ready to export or import from/to the EU, for example by getting an EORI number or registering with the relevant Customs Authority.

• Key actions that businesses and individuals need to take can be found on GOV.UK/transition.

Are all the actions that businesses and individuals need to take online on GOV.UK?

• Yes, we have added the key actions you can take now into one place on GOV.UK/transition.

• Here, you can complete the ‘Brexit Checker tool’, find out actions to take and register for updates. Additional guidance may be provided later in the year.