Businesses gearing up for Brexit as March 29 deadline looms

A packed venue at one of our previous World Trade@1 events.

AS the political stalemate around Britain’s exit from the European Union continues, some businesses are now making what preparations they can ahead of the March 29 deadline.

The Chamber’s International Trade Centre, led by International Trade Director Pauline Wade and her team, is on hand to help and advise companies which trade with Europe. Workshops for exporters are also planned.

Any new requirements there may be, at this stage, remain unclear, but the experienced export documentation teams based in the Chamber’s Hull and Grimsby offices will be constantly updating their information and advice as the situation develops.

The Chamber’s International Trade Department’s Helpdesk can advise companies on any technical or regulatory questions they may have and can help you deliver goods to the right place, at the right time, in good order and condition and at the most economic cost.

It also offers detailed advice and services related to all export certification, authorisations and legalisation requirements that you may have. 

Where possible, the Chamber is also signposting companies to help them find the answers they need. For example, the Government recently launched a new hub for no deal Brexit information on the .gov.uk website which has dedicated sections for businesses, individuals, UK nationals in the EU and EU nationals in the UK. The webpages include a tool for filtering the technical notices, partnership packs and other guidance based on company sector. Click here for more information: https://euexit.campaign.gov.uk/

As the Brexit situation and its effect on importers becomes clearer, the International Trade Centre will run a workshop in the next few weeks to look at the current EU processes and how they are likely to change. It will provide recommendations of areas where improvements could be implemented prior to Brexit, allowing business process improvements to be made and opportunities maximised.

This event will be followed by World Trade@1 seminars, so check the Events section of the Chamber’s website to ensure you don’t miss these. https://www.hull-humber-chamber.co.uk/events

The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is one of 53 Chambers which make up the British Chambers of Commerce. Nationally, we have introduced a Brexit Hub packed with useful advice and guidance to help companies plan for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Topics include staffing requirements, UK/EU customs checks, potential delays at borders, tariffs on UK-EU trade, Rules of Origin in UK-EU trade, currency risk, contracts reviews and much more. For more information, visit https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/brexit-hub

HMRC is also encouraging exporters to consider applying for the Economic Operator Registration and Identification scheme (EORI). If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, you’ll need to get a UK EORI number to continue trading with the EU after March 29, 2019.

You may also wish to read the HMRC Partnership Pack, which contains further details and advice, including industry specific guidance. Under the scenario of a no-deal Brexit it is likely that customs declarations, export documents and Certificates of Origin will be required for EU trade.