Imports and Exports

Navigating Post-Brexit Changes in Imports and Exports: A Comprehensive Guide

In the wake of Brexit, the landscape of imports and exports between EU-countries has undergone significant changes, leading to increased complexity. Consequently, phased customs checks, duties, and meticulous documentation procedures are now in place. Notably, there are added health protocols for the shipment of live animals and animal products.

Despite these challenges, the agreement reached with the EU ensures that imports and exports remain tariff-free. However, it’s important to note that customs fees and duties apply to select goods. Moreover, Value-Added Tax (VAT) is now payable to British authorities upon goods receipt. Complexity arises from intricate rules of origin, potentially leading end customers to shoulder customs duties. It’s reassuring that GDPR equivalence has been granted by the EU, safeguarding uninterrupted data flows post-Brexit.

Locating Vital Information for Imports and Exports

To facilitate the transition, the government regularly updates its guidance on imports and exports to the EU/EEA. Subscribing to email updates is another wise step.

Usefully, a Summary Explainer, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (including Annexes and Protocols), Declarations, Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, the Agreement on Security Procedures for Exchanging and Protecting Classified Information and more are published here

In addition, you can find information on exporting into the EU on this European Commission page.

Discover the changes in VAT here.

You can also find detailed information on exporting into the EU at the European Commission Trade Helpdesk.

For the future of GDPR in light of Brexit, the ICO website is a valuable source. While current GDPR rules persist due to an adequacy ruling by the EU, potential shifts in the future, especially if UK regulations diverge significantly, might necessitate action such as signing Standard Contractual Clauses with EU partners. Companies should also consider appointing an EU Representative to ensure GDPR compliance.

Impact on Services, Business Travel, and Professional Qualifications

These changes extend beyond imports and exports of goods, and include Services, Business Travel, and Professional Qualifications. For detailed information, consult country-specific data on the gov.uk website.

Regulations on the recognition of professional qualifications are explained here.

Business Helpline for Support for Imports and Exports

Given the evolving rules for EU business interactions since 2020, dedicated helplines have been established by the government. Reach out for assistance with imports and exports according to your location:

• England: 0800 998 1098
• Scotland: 0300 303 0660
• Wales: 0300 060 3000
• Northern Ireland: 0800 181 4422

Click here for additional information and opening hours.

Leveraging Iolante’s Expertise

For those navigating the complexities of the regulations governing imports and exports, Iolante offers a range of translation services in both English and German:

• Export duty
• VAT declarations
• Rules of origin
• Customs declarations
• Entry summary declarations (ENS)
• Exit summary declarations (EXS)
• Intrastat declarations
• Vehicle operator licenses
• Certificates of conformity
• EU Community Licences
• ECMT international road haulage permits
• ECMT international removal permits
• Bilateral road haulage permits for some non-EU countries
• Own account traffic
• Cabotage and cross-trade
• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card
• Carnets
• Export licenses
• Road consignment notes (‘CMR note’)
• Movement Reference Numbers (MRN) from the export declaration – required for moving goods out of the EU
• Local Reference Numbers (LRN) – for moving goods under the Common Transit convention (CTC)
• ATA Carnet documents – for moving goods out of the EU temporarily
• TiR Carnet documents – for moving goods in a sealed load compartment with a seal number
• Documents about the vehicle
• Vehicle security checklists and instructions
• Other documents including tachograph records and insurance documents
• Trailer registration certificates
• Insurance documents
• Correspondence with transporters or customs agents in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
• Customs paperwork
• Citizenship applications
• Applications for Settled Status and Pre-Settled Status

Iolante can also certify the translations of any of these documents.

Summarized translations and email and phone support

In times of uncertainty, quick email or phone communication can often be the solution. If you’re facing challenges, contact Iolante to swiftly resolve your questions and concerns, enabling direct communication with the relevant parties.

Take advantage of Iolante’s expertise to streamline your post-Brexit import and export endeavours.