Days before the end of the transition period, which took place on the 1st January 2021, parliament voted for a Brexit deal that would allow for a semblance of the relationship between the UK and the EU to continue following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union in 2016.
You may be wondering what you might expect to see in trade. We want to break it all down for you so that you know how to continue your trading relationships with EU member states and Northern Ireland!
Tariffs
Despite a lot of speculation prior to the transition period, the Brexit deal means that we will not see tariffs (taxes) on goods or limits on the amount that is allowed to be traded (quotas) when goods are being traded between the UK and the European Union. This means that imported goods should not be more expensive than they were prior to the end of the transition period.
Documentation
Customs Declarations
As we have highlighted in earlier articles, the UK and EU deal would not have changed the need for customs declarations to be imposed when trading. Customs declarations (also known as a C88) are declarations to detail the type and value of the goods that are being imported or exported. If you do not have a completed customs declaration you will not be allowed to trade.
Safety and Security Declarations
Another crucial piece of documentation you will need will be your safety and security declarations (also known as SSD’s). These declarations help border authorities to examine and assess the potential risk of the goods crossing their border. There are two forms of SSD (ENS/EXS) which need to be completed in different ways, so it is important that you know which one you will need. You need to have a complete customs declaration in order to fill out your SSD. It is the responsibility of the haulier to complete and submit these. Our SSD builder will help you get these documents ready at ease!
Port Passes
Port passes (also known as logistics envelopes or pre-lodgement systems) are another important aspect of the customs process. These documents ensure all customs processes have been completed prior to your arrival at the port of departure and trigger updates to let customs authorities know when goods have entered another customs territory. These can be tricky for anybody who isn’t familiar with the system, we are launching a port pass builder which will take away the stress and hassle of completing these documents, register your interest now!
It is important that you make sure you are prepared for departure prior to your arrival at the port as you will not be permitted to leave if you haven’t got the correct documentation.
