GEN – 1165.00. In order to prepare for Brexit, the UK government is inviting manufacturers to acquaint themselves with the campaign ‘Keep Business Moving’. It’s dedicated website provides information on the actions EU businesses can take to continue trading smoothly with the UK at the end of the year.
In early October 2020, the UK Government has published new information guides on its website www.gov.uk/eubusiness. The information in these guides is an update of the brochures that appeared in July. Some of the information is new, other elements are repacked older information.
Border with the European Union
The 138-page guide details the controls that will be placed on the movement of goods and persons between Great Britain and the EU.
To allow for extra time to make necessary arrangements, the UK Government has taken the decision to introduce the new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021.
Changes to VAT treatment of goods sold to customers from 1 January 2021
One of the changes is that online marketplaces (OMPs), where they are involved in facilitating the sale, will be responsible for collecting and accounting for VAT.
Visiting the UK
After 1 January 2021, EU citizens can continue to travel to the United Kingdom for vacation or short stays of maximum of 3 months without having to apply for a visa. This does not, in principle, apply to visits for work in the United Kingdom, for which visa will be required. Presently, EU citizens can still travel to the UK with either a valid identity card or a valid passport.
The Border Operating Model guidelines published on 8 October state that a valid passport will be required to enter the UK from October 2021.
EU citizens are recommended to consider taking out a private health insurance. After 31 December 2020, the European Health Insurance Card will no longer be valid in the UK.
Northern Ireland
The UK guidance does not cover matters specified in the Northern Ireland Protocol. The UK government continues to work through the implications of the Northern Ireland Protocol, including in relation to VAT and excise. The government is committed to providing guidance on how the Northern Ireland Protocol will work ahead of the end of the transition period.
Further updates
The UK guidance has been changing over the past year and it cannot be ruled out that this guidance will still change. The current view is that no fundamental changes will be introduced.
It will depend on how the negotiations with the European Union will evolve.
Recommended actions
Manufacturers exporting from or importing into the UK are advised to regularly check the evolving messages on the UK Departments’ websites.
The main UK reference website remains GOV.UK/transition but different UK Departments are issuing information notes that should be in line with this website.
It is also recommended to check the EU Readiness Notices.
Related documents and links
All related documents and articles can be found in the respective sections in the right sidebar.
UK government campaigns
- New website: https://www.gov.uk/eubusiness
- Visiting UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit
- UK campaign: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-new-campaign-to-prepare-uk-for-end-of-the-transition-period
- Importing from EU into UK: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-to-import-to-great-britain-from-january-2021
- Exporting from UK to EU: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-to-export-from-great-britain-from-january-2021
Brexit readiness – previous updates
- GEN – 1148.00 – New UK import tariffs
- GEN – 1146.00 – Brexit – Ecodesign and Energy Labelling
- GEN – 1140.00 – Commission communication on readiness at the end of the transition period
- GEN – 1124.00 – Brexit transition period to end on 31 December 2020
- GEN – 1118.00 – Brexit readiness notices
- GEN – 1097.00 – Brexit
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-new-campaign-to-prepare-uk-for-end-of-the-transition-period
