Brexit & Beyond

The terms of the post-Brexit negotiations continue to be a matter for discussion, between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Little information of substance has yet been released by either party. Periodically information, often conflicting is ‘leaked’ by one party or the other.

The only certainty at this time is uncertainty. However, the UK Government has made their position clear, that being that we will complete our withdrawal from the EU on 31st December 2020.

Prepare for Brexit

It is therefore the time for all businesses to prepare for customs controls to begin to take effect from 1st January 2021. Even if there is a trade deal, we can expect that every shipment will be the subject of a customs entry. It may be that a trade deal will remove the requirement for duty to be paid for most products. Until we hear otherwise, any prudent business will already be preparing for the likelihood that their future transactions with overseas suppliers and customers will be subject to duty payments.

Changes to Consider

Wooden packaging …. The EU requires that all shipments from beyond their boundaries must be packed into/onto heat treated timber, compliant with ISPM15. Now is a particularly good time to ensure that you can source sufficient quantities of suitable pallets and wooden crates.

Northern Ireland …. The nature of the required documentation has not yet been announced. However, it has been agreed that Northern Ireland will be treated as a part of the EU Customs territory. Cargo arriving from the EU, destined to NI will be subject to some form of documentation. Once the details have been issued, we will provide an update.