In 2016, the UK voted to Leave the European Union, on the 31st January 2020 Britain left the EU, and since then the country has been in a Transition period.

The UK Government has a Brexit Checker where you can get a list of required actions, you can also sign up to receive email updates regarding what you need to do. You can use the Brexit Checker here.

 

This article will explore exporting goods to the EU.

 

Exporting Goods (source: gov.uk)

 

The process for exporting goods to the EU will change. Businesses in England, Wales and Scotland need to complete the following actions to continue to export goods to EU countries from 1st January 2021.

 

You should follow different guidance if you are:

 

• sending goods by post
• exporting goods to countries outside the EU

 

Find out how to declare goods from 1st January 2021: 

 

From 1st January 2021, you’ll need to make customs declarations when exporting goods to the EU. These rules currently apply to exporting goods to the rest of the world, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

 

You can make the declarations yourself, but most businesses use a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent.

• Find out how to make customs declarations yourself
• Get someone to deal with customs for you

 

Check the new rules for your types of goods: 

 

From 1 January 2021, the rules for exporting some types of goods will change.

 

• Check what export licences or certificates you need
• Check the marking, labelling and marketing standards for food, plant seeds and manufactured goods
• Check the rules for exporting alcohol, tobacco and certain oils

 

Make sure you have an EORI number starting with GB:

 

You need an EORI number that starts with GB to export goods from 1st January 2021. Get an EORI number.

 

Find out if you can charge VAT at 0%: 

 

From 1st January 2021, you can charge customers VAT at 0% (known as ‘zero rate’) on most goods you export to the EU.

 

• Check if you can zero rate your goods for VAT

 

Check if you can make the exporting process quicker:

 

You may be able to use Common Transit to move your goods more quickly to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

 

• Check if you can use Common Transit

 

Check if the EU business you’re exporting to is ready:

 

The EU business you’re exporting to will also need to prepare for 1 January 2021.

 

Before sending the business your goods, check they can make the necessary import declarations. They’ll also need a licence or certificate to import some types of goods.

 

Source: Prepare to Export Goods From Great Britain to the EU from 1 January 2021.