A deal with the EU is done - but you may still need to take action to trade with Europe

Knowsley Chamber and the Knowsley Business Team are committed to helping you start or continue to trade with the EU. A deal with the EU has been reached and businesses should still take action to ensure they are ready for any changes…

As with any major change, there will be challenges as we adjust to new ways of doing business with the EU.

While the deal seems to secure tariff-free access to EU markets, you should still check what you need to do to allow your business operations to run smoothly. New rules for trading with the EU are now in place. You should:

Visit gov.uk/transition and use the Brexit checker tool for a personalised list of actions.
You can sign-up for the GOV business readiness bulletins which will continue to be issued in 2021 with important updates for your business.
Make sure you check the latest Northern Ireland Protocol guidance, if you move goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland.

Knowsley Chamber regularly liaise with HMRC, DiT, other city region business organisations and Knowsley Council so that we can report back to you. SEE QUICK LINKS BELOW AND LATEST LOCAL EVENTS FURTHER BELOW.

GOV TRANSITION CHECK, VISIT: https://www.gov.uk/transition-check

QUICK LINKS TO THE BEST HELP:

EU Transition Trader and Industry Forum – Ask questions about your preparations – The forum is designed so that you can ask questions about the preparations you need to make, vsit: https://transition-forum.service.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/

Europe Trade Hub – Here you can discuss market choices and opportunities across Europe. Tap into expert knowledge from 34 countries. Connect with Europe’s market access specialists. Obtain support from the Europe Export Growth team working with SMEs across the board, visit: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/diteuropetradehub

Gov Trade Expert Help – If you can’t find answers at GOV.UK/transition, fill out the enquiry form on this link and a trade expert will try to help, vist: www.great.gov.uk/transition-period/contact/

Latest GOV Transition Webinars – The latest webinars with the latest updates on the Transition can be found here: www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-if-your-business-trades-with-the-eu

To check the UK Global Tariff – that will apply to goods you import from 1 January 2021 and to check the difference between what you pay now and what you’ll pay from 1 January 2021, visit: www.GOV.UK/check-tariffs-1-january-2021

If you need help finding your Commodity Code visit: www.GOV.UK/guidance/finding-commodity-codes-for-imports-or-exports

If you need help classifying your goods, visit: www.GOV.UK/guidance/ask-hmrc-for-advice-on-classifying-your-goods

For the latest information on signed trade agreements (outside EU) visit: www.GOV.UK/guidance/uk-trade-agreements-with-non-eu-countries

For further information on the UK GSP including how to claim with a proof of origin visit: http://www.gov.uk/guidance/trading-with-developing-nations-from-1-january-2021

Review the End of Transition guidance on exporting controlled goods: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-controlled-goods-after-eu-exit

Latest information about bidding for overseas procurement opportunities, deal or no deal: No Deal – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bidding-for-overseas-contracts-what-to-expect-if-theres-a-no-deal-brexit – Deal – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bidding-for-overseas-procurement-opportunities-what-to-expect-from-1-january-2021

Businesses can report a trade barrier here: www.great.gov.uk/report-trade-barrier/

For guidance on placing goods on the GB market visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain-from-1-january-2021

For guidance on placing goods on the EU market visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-eu-market-from-1-january-2021

For guidance on using the UKCA marking visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-mark-from-1-january-2021

For guidance on placing goods on the market in Northern Ireland visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-northern-ireland-from-1-january-2021

For guidance on moving goods between NI and GB and vice versa visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/moving-goods-under-the-northern-ireland-protocol

For guidance on using the UKNI marking visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukni-marking-from-1-january-2021

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL EXPORTS

Wood Packaging – From 1 January 2021, all Wood Packaging Material – pallets; crates; boxes; cable drums; spools; and drummage – moving between GB and the EU must be treated and marked in compliance with international standards known as ISPM15, which are in place to protect the EU and GB from harmful plant pests and diseases. WPM that has not been treated and marked appropriately can require goods to be re-loaded onto compliant pallets at the border or place of inspection. For more details, visit: www.gov.uk/wood-packaging-import-export

BETTER TOGETHER, STRONGER TOGETHER

We have teamed up with Halton Chamber, Liverpool Chamber and St Helens Chamber. The four Chambers are joining forces on all things Brexit and International Trade.

We are cross-promoting all of our Brexit and international trade events, workshops and webinars. This will bring the added bonus of member discounts across more events.

If you are a member of Knowsley Chamber you can access the Membership Discount price for any transition related event below, hosted by any of the four Chambers in 2020/21. See below for latest events:

Customs Declarations Training – 6^th January

Customs Compliance – International Trade 14th January

Trading with the EU Post Transition and Incoterms 2020 – 21^st January

Customs Compliance and Rules of Origin – BCC Accredited – 3^rd February and 27^th April

Understanding Exporting 5th February

Documentary Letters of Credit and Methods of Payment – BCC Accredited – 18^th March and 16^th June

Understanding Commodity Codes Classification 8th April

Export and Import Procedures – Get it Right – BCC Accredited – 19^th May

Understanding Importing 25th May

In 2019/20 Knowsley Chamber made contact with thousands of Knowsley businesses to offer support regarding Business Readiness & Brexit. 18 businesses attended our Business Readiness Event and we provided 9 in-depth 1:1 Brexit advice surgeries. In 2020/21 we are ready to continue our support and open further 1:1 surgeries if required. If you wish to find out more or register for a one-to-one Brexit/Transition meeting, then email neil.roscoe@knowsleychamber.org.uk

Customs Clearance Support Member Offer – If you are unfamiliar with customs procedures you will need the help of experienced professionals. As a Knowsley Chamber Member, Customwise will provide you with a free 15-minute consultation. Find out more HERE