BREXIT UPDATE: DEAL OR NO DEAL
11/01/2019
With only 11 weeks remaining before the UK leave the EU on 29th March 2019 (11pm), it is a little disappointing to have to write that we are still relatively unclear on the definitive shape of Brexit and with government currently in turmoil over current withdrawal proposals, there is uncertainty on whether we will leave the EU with a deal or not.
Following our previous newsletters on Brexit and to ensure we maintain service continuity when transporting goods by road to/from the EU, for many months Simarco has been in liaison with its European counterparts and HMRC to ensure we are as prepared as we can be for the eventuality of a no deal scenario. We take pride in our service offering and despite the Brexit outcome, we feel it important to continue to provide the high level of service our clients are accustomed to.
If we leave without a deal, come 11pm on 29th March 2019, we are no longer bound by EU Laws or benefit from EU free trade, therefore Customs formalities and Border controls will be reinstated. For clients who only trade with other EU businesses, it is important to note that in order to continue trading with the EU, you must register for a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification number (EORI) https://www.gov.uk/eori
After registration, it usually takes around 3 working days for HMRC to confirm the application and provide your EORI number by email. In addition, and to ensure your own supply chain is not disrupted, please ensure your EU buyer/seller is also EORI registered in their country of residence.
Our last newsletter detailed that irrespective of deal or no deal, to start familiarising yourself with product information (Commodity Codes) that would need to be declared on exporters commercial invoices. We recommend that both importers and exporters who have not previously had to classify their products, start this process to ensure that at the time of import the correct Duties/Taxes are levied by Customs authorities. The following link will help guide you through the classification process and once complete, this will enable Simarco and their European counterparts to prepare export and import Customs entries efficiently on your behalf https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff
As things stand, the House of Commons will be voting on the Brexit withdrawal deal on Tuesday 15th January and at that point we hope to receive further clarity on the shape of Brexit.
We will continue to keep you updated on significant developments, but should you have any questions and/or need support, you can write to us at brexit@simarco.com and one of our Directors will be here to help you.