A range of new advice and guidance is available from Government following the end of the EU transition period. This article lists the key sources of advice for businesses in the chemicals sector. These documents are available via www.GOV.UK/transition with direct links below.

 

They sit alongside the Government Brexit checker tool which you can use to obtain personalised actions for your business: https://www.gov.uk/transition-check/questions

 

 

Key actions for the chemicals sector:

 

1. Get paper work in place to trade with the EU

To continue trading with the EU, businesses need to follow new rules for importing and exporting, including changes to customs processes and licensing.

 

Before they attempt to move goods, businesses will need to get ready to make customs declarations – these are now needed for all exports from the UK and if businesses are importing controlled goods. If they import goods that are not controlled, they may be able to delay making their declarations for up to six months.

 

Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/import-export 

 

 

2. Check if a visa or work permit is required to travel to Europe for work purposes

Anyone travelling for work purposes may need to apply for a visa, work permit or other documentation before travelling to the EU / EEA / Switzerland from 1 January 2021, particularly if they plan to stay longer than 90 in 180 days, or are carrying out activities not covered by a country’s visa-waiver list. Whatever businesses and individuals are doing, we advise them to check the rules of the relevant Member State to find out if they need to apply.

 

Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021/business-travel-extra-requirements

 

 

3. Check what actions they need to take under UK REACH, EU REACH and other chemical regulations to continue to manufacture and place chemicals on the Great Britain, Northern Ireland and EU markets.

3Businesses must register on the new UK REACH platform in order to continue to import and export chemicals in the UK.

 

Find out more:  https://www.hse.gov.uk/brexit/chemicals-brexit-guidance.htm

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-reach-chemical-regulations

 

 

4. Check that their goods comply with rules of origin and that they have the required evidence to trade tariff-free with the EU

Businesses need to take action to access zero tariffs. They must check that their goods comply with rules of origin requirements, make a declaration and ensure they have the correct evidence if they wish to claim preferential tariff rates when trading with the EU.

 

Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claiming-preferential-rates-of-duty-between-the-uk-and-eu

 

 

 

Who can I ask for help?

 

For further advice and access to specialist support, businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire can contact SWLEP Growth Hub’s business readiness team via:

 

Tel:      01249 477 288

Email:  [email protected] 

Web:   https://growthhub.swlep.co.uk/support/EUExit