New rules for businesses that trade with Europe have arrived. This means that since 1 January 2021, all businesses that move goods between Great Britain and countries in the EU need to follow new customs and tax rules.
HMRC is here to help you get ready for the new systems, or if you’re already using them, there are also have guidance on making importing and exporting simpler and quicker. You can:
- watch videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU
- attend HMRC’s webinars to find out what you need to do now to keep your business moving
- the trader checklist is also still available on GOV.UK to make sure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you – use the updated guides to understand the new customs and VAT requirements when moving goods between Great Britain and EU countries.
Webinars to register for now:
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Key processes include – zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations.
Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them.
This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary.
Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations.
Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: What you need to know about Staged Controls: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1 January 2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage.
Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Protect yourself from scams
Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic. Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to [email protected] and texts to 60599.
Access the National Cyber Security Centre’s new guide on how to stay secure online and protect yourself or your business against cyber crime by searching ‘Cyber Aware’ on GOV.UK.
Katherine Green and Sophie Dean – Directors General, Borders and Trade, HMRC
