Update from HMRC
The Brexit transition period ends in 20 days. If your business trades goods with Europe or you represent businesses who do, you’ll need to be prepared for changes that will come into effect from 1 January 2021.
We understand these are challenging times, but it is important to make sure that your business is ready for these new rules. At the time of writing, talks are ongoing about our future trading arrangements with Europe. These rules will not change or go away, and the steps that you need to take to prepare, are needed in any scenario before you can trade from 1 January.
If you’re new to customs processes it will help you to watch our series of short videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel which introduce importing and exporting:
- What you need to know to send goods out of the UK
- What you need to know to bring goods into the UK
- What are controlled goods?
We also have a Trader checklist to help you prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period.
In addition, we are running live webinars where you can hear the latest information and ask questions to help you prepare for these new rules:
Exporting: Actions you need to take to prepare for 1 January 2021
The webinar explains what actions you need to take to export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We’ll provide a run-through of the key export processes – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates and authorisations that you’ll need.
Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
What are customs import declarations?
If you import goods, you’ll need to prepare for making customs import declarations on controlled goods from 1 January, and by the end of June on all goods. This webinar will help you to understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, making import declarations without authorisation and delayed import declarations.
Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
We update our webinars constantly to provide you with the latest government guidance and information as it develops.
Protect yourself from scams
Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic. Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to [email protected] and texts to 60599.
Access the National Cyber Security Centre’s new guide on how to stay secure online and protect yourself or your business against cyber crime by searching ‘Cyber Aware’ on GOV.UK.