Brexit.  Important dates and deadlines for businesses

At the time of writing the following dates and deadlines are in place.

Until 31 Dec

• Prepare for Brexit. Follow our blog for updates - Brexit Quick Find
• Apply for a GB EORI number (if you need one) - Do you need an EORI?
• Apply for a XI EORI Number (if you need one) - NI protocol and EORI requirements

31 Dec 2020 

• Transition period ends.
• Freedom of movement within the EU ends.

1 Jan 2021

The Transition period is now ended and the following will apply:

People

• New immigration system. - New Immigration System from 1st Jan 2021
• New recruitment system. - What does the EU Settlement scheme mean for employes?
• UK citizens will need a visa to travel to the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

International Trade

• The Northern Ireland Protocol comes into force
• Changes to importing and exporting with EU and Northern Ireland
• Traders importing goods will need to prepare for basic customs requirements and will have up to 6 months to complete customs declarations.
• Tariff payments can be deferred until the customs declaration has been made.
• Traders moving controlled goods such as tobacco and toxic chemicals will be required to complete customs declarations.
• Physical checks at the point of destination for live animals.

VAT

What Businesses need to know about VAT in 2020

• Businesses will need to consider how they account for VAT on imported goods.
• UK no longer part of the EU VAT area, loss of access to EU simplifications and measures.
• If you are currently using MOSS, you must register for MOSS in an EU state.
• Changes from dispatches and acquisitions to exports and imports.
• Supplementary reporting changes (Intrastat and EC Sales list).
• Postponed VAT accounting to account for import VAT on VAT return. 
• Sale of goods to /from Northern Ireland will remain within EU VAT regime.

30 June 2021

• Deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Postponed VAT accounting is mandatory up until 30 Jun 2021 if you delay your custom declaration or use a simplified customs declaration.
• Safety and security declarations. From 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 you can import controlled and non-controlled goods from the EU without making an entry summary declaration (the safety and security declaration).

From July 2021

The following will apply:

• Traders moving all goods will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay the relevant tariffs.
• Full safety and security declarations will be required.
• Increased physical checks and sample collection for Sanitary and Phytosanitary commodities.

For more information please keep checking our Brexit blog.  If you have any questions please contact us.