Preparing for EU Exit – Trading Goods

The trading environment for many NI businesses will change from 1 January 2021 as a result of the end of the EU Exit transition period. Whilst many points of detail have still to be confirmed, a clearer picture is starting to emerge.

This feature considers trade in goods and highlights what businesses must do in the weeks ahead.

The NI Protocol and the wider Withdrawal Agreement means that there will be changes to the arrangements for moving goods to and from Northern Ireland (NI). It is essential that businesses start to get ready as the changes are varied and many are specific to the type of good or product being moved. 

The main changes are for goods moving from Great Britain (GB) to NI.  New digital customs processes, safety and security declarations and regulatory controls will be put in place from 1 Jan 2021. For a business unfamiliar with customs, there are more than 50 items of information needed for a declaration!

There may also be a tariff to pay on imports from GB if the good is subsequently moved onto the EU market – the detailed criteria on such potential tariffs are currently being agreed by the Joint Committee.  

To help businesses adjust to the changes, a free Trader Support Service (TSS) is being made available by HMRC. You need to register for the service.

You can also apply for up to three HMRC grants if your business completes customs declarations.

Further direction is awaited on whether Exit Summary Declarations will be required for the movement of goods, and the criteria for how a NI qualifying good is defined.

Trade in goods between NI, Ireland and the rest of the EU will largely continue as it does currently. There will be no customs processes, tariffs or other new formalities on these movements. This provides a level of certainty on this aspect of NI’s external goods trade.

Trade in goods between NI and countries outside of the UK and EU will also largely continue as it does currently. 

For goods being imported from these countries for final use in Northern Ireland, the import tariff may change. Further details can be found from the UK Global Tariff.

If you utilise preferential tariff rates or other benefits of EU-third country trade agreements, you should check if these will still apply after 31 December 2020.

The NI Protocol creates a new dual system for the treatment of VAT on goods. The system of charges and accounting for different movements will change. Goods moving between NI and GB, for example, will now be classified as imports and exports rather than goods moving freely within the UK. Detailed guidance is expected in the months ahead and we have a special webinar on this topic on 8 October.

The most important thing to do is start getting ready or revisit previous plans and activities. Don’t delay. In addition to the recommendations above, there are a number of key actions you can take:

We will continue to update our dedicated Prepare for EU Exit pages as more information and detail on the end of the transition period emerges. You can also access information and updates on our free business resource website nibusinessinfo