What was brexit
On 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU) and the European Customs Union. The transition period ended at 23:00 hrs on 31 December 2020, and the UK now trades with the EU under the terms of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. These arrangements have introduced new rules, procedures, and requirements for goods and services moving between the UK and the EU. Businesses should ensure they remain compliant and prepared for ongoing impacts in areas such as:
FREE MOVEMENT OF GOODS
Free trade between the UK and the EU no longer applies in the same way. Movements of goods now require either an import or export declaration, in line with the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Tariff Preferential Agreement
The UK and EU now trade under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which avoids tariffs and quotas on most goods that meet the relevant rules of origin.
Tariff Quotas
Since leaving the EU, the UK has established its own tariff quota arrangements and negotiates quota relief directly with individual countries or trade blocs.
Increase in import & export declarations
Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the number of customs declarations is estimated to have risen from around 55 million per year to over 200 million per year.
Delays at port
The significant increase in customs documentation has led to initial delays at ports, as businesses and authorities adapt to the new procedures.