Are you ready for 1st January 2021?

When we wake up in 2021, we will no longer be in transition; we will be out of the European Union and have to cope with a wide range of regulatory changes if you sell or buy services or goods to EU customers and suppliers.

“YOU NEED TO ACT NOW” was the circular recently sent to all UK businesses that may be affected by the upcoming changes by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

However, many of these messages will have found their way to waste bins or will still be sitting in a post or letterbox awaiting the return of staff working from home or staying at home because of government guidance due to the lockdown.

The circular raises the following:

1. Check the new rules on importing and exporting goods between the European Union and Great Britain from 1st January 2021 – different rules will apply in Northern Ireland.
2. If you plan to recruit from overseas from 1st January 2021, you will need to register as a licensed VISA sponsor.
3. Use GOV.UK to identify changes affecting manufactured goods, such as new marking requirements or approvals needed, to ensure your business is ready to sell them in the European Union and Great Britain.
4. If you are moving goods out of or through Northern Ireland, check the latest guidance.

The circular is covered with a red typeface to underline the importance and urgency of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy concerns. Presumably, they felt a reminder was necessary due to the expected number of businesses not prepared for the momentous changes that will be happening shortly.

We are leaving the European Union, and with complications due to COVID, we may well be leaving with no formal trade agreement.

If you need help considering your options to protect your business, send us an email at  contactus@accountinggem.co.uk, or contact us on 01473 744 700, and we will be more than happy to help.