Conducting business in the EU post-transition

Does your business trade with the EU?

From 1 January 2021, there are changes to UK-EU trade at the UK border, including customs, tariffs and VAT.

Businesses that move goods between GB and the EU now need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number (‘EORI number’). Apply for an EORI number.

To check how your trade with the EU will be affected and what steps you should take, visit step-by-step guides for imports and exports.

Do you provide services/or operate in the EU?

The UK is no longer operating under European Economic Area (‘EEA’) regulation covering cross-border trade in services. Find guidance about selling services to the EEA and Switzerland from January 2021.

Do you hold any intellectual property (IP)?

Read about key changes to UK intellectual property law from 1 January 2021, including changes to how businesses protect their IP rights at the UK border.

Do you employ EU, EEA or Swiss citizens?

Useful information for employers on employing EU, EEA and Swiss citizens in the UK, covering: right to work checks, the EU Settlement Scheme and the UK’s new immigration system which applies to people arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021.

Do you transfer personal data into the UK?

If your business/organisation receives or transfers personal data to or from organisations abroad, there are actions you may need to take. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been retained in UK law after the UK’s exit from the EU. You can find guidance here regarding data protection and data flows with the EU/EEA, including recommended precautions to safeguard against any interruption to the free flow of personal data between the UK and the EU.

Customs Grant Scheme

What is the Customs Grant Scheme?

HMRC has made over £80 million available to help businesses adapt to the changes to customs arrangements which took effect on 1 January 2021. Businesses can apply to the Customs Grant Scheme to fund training on the new requirements and/or to increase their capacity (eg IT/recruitment) to meet increased demand.

UPDATE (25 Jan 2021): The Grant Scheme is nearing its full allocation of funds. Businesses which have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic may wish to consider other support available, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.