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Bespoke support

Changes to trading rules

The recent changes to the trading rules may leave you with many questions. We can provide the information and tailored guidance your business needs to trade successfully with the EU and other markets.

This page covers the important trade issues that may impact your business. Our free support services can help you implement the necessary changes in your business. We also can help you access programmes that will financially support you in your trading activities.

Request a call-back from the Growth Hub team

Information about trading with the EU

If you’re thinking about expanding your business by trading with the EU or other countries, these FAQs may be helpful. You can also view further useful information on this topic at this webpage.

To trade with the EU, you'll now need to:

  • make customs declarations for any goods moved between the UK and Europe
  • pay the relevant tariffs on any goods moved between the UK and Europe
  • follow new processes for moving any goods into Northern Ireland from mainland UK.

Check these government resources to find out what you need to do differently if you’re:

1) importing goods from the EU
2) exporting goods to the EU
3) moving goods to or from Northern Ireland.

 

Complete the transition checklist at this government webpage.

Customs declarations

When you export goods abroad, you now need to submit a customs declaration. Chamber Customs is a customs declaration service that helps simplify the importing and exporting process.

To learn how to complete your own customs declaration or receive training on this topic visit their webpage.

Declaring goods

You must declare any goods you send to the EU, providing details about the goods and their value, using a customs declaration form. You can get a customs intermediary to help you do this.

Export Health Certificates

You’ll need an Export Health Certificate (EHC), available at this government webpage, to export food or drink containing products of animal origin.

Duty payments

You can check if you might be able to delay your declarations and duty payments at this government webpage. Your business may be eligible for this if your goods are not on the controlled goods list and you do not have a poor compliance record.

To learn more about the new points-based immigration system introduced, please visit this government webpage.

Department for International Trade have prepared a step-by-step checklist on how to move goods from the UK to other countries, including the EU.

Download this toolkit to find out more about trading with the EU and Northern Ireland.

  • The Department for International Trade’s Check How to Export Goods online tool. This has information on the UK border, duties and customs procedures for over 160 foreign markets.
  • Government VAT guidance about the conditions for zero-rating VAT on the goods you export, and guidance for exporting goods in specific circumstances.
  • Online guidance package developed by DEFRA with HMRC to guide fish exporters through each step of the export journey. There’s a range of information and support available to help ensure you’re following the new rules including the MMO One Stop Shop.
  • HMRC’s Custom’s and International Trade Helpline (0300 322 9434). The line is open from 8am-10pm on weekdays, or 8am-4pm on weekends.

For mainland UK businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland, it’s important to act now to comply with the new rules. There are five key actions for businesses to take:

  • register for the Trader Support Service
  • get an EORI number
  • check Commodity Codes
  • check whether the UK Trader Scheme could help
  • check goods regulations covering manufactured and agri-food products.

For further information, visit the government's Moving Goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland webpage.