HMRC this week is sending out letters to VAT registered businesses who currently import and/or export goods with the EU. The letter gives advice on actions that must be taken immediately, and changes to prepare for if there is a No Deal Brexit.
Imports and/or exports of goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland are not affected, as the government intends to avoid a hard border, and will inform companies of the appropriate actions as soon as possible.
Companies will be responsible for making import and export customs declarations for UK-EU trade in a no deal scenario. The simplest way to make customs declarations is to appoint a customs agent to manage the process, and this should be done as soon as possible. Otherwise, businesses who intend to import or export regularly, should now:
• make sure someone in the business is trained to make
customs declarations
• buy specialist software that links to HMRC’s customs systems
• if you’re register for the National Export System