BREXIT – WHAT NOW FOR BUSINESSES THAT TRADE WITH THE UK? AN UPDATE

Topic: BREXIT – WHAT NOW FOR BUSINESSES THAT TRADE WITH THE UK?  AN UPDATE

“Ireland will be the EU Member State most affected by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and we need to recognise that this is happening – the UK is leaving the EU and some things are going to change”.

Businesses that buy and sell from the UK should have contingency plans in place which will need to be flexible to cope with a variety of possible outcomes.  There is still uncertainty around what Brexit will mean and planning for a “No Deal” scenario seems sensible right now.  The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have put in place several supports to help businesses of all shapes and sizes across all sectors of the economy.

See: for further details

If a ‘No Deal’ happens after October 2019 here are some of the areas you should consider:

The UK will become a “3rd Country” for customs purposes as it will be outside the EU. BREXIT – WHAT NOW FOR BUSINESSES THAT TRADE WITH THE UK?  AN UPDATE. Ensure you understand the basic principles underpinning and requirements of customs formalities for non-EU trade and how and where they apply, including import, export and transit formalities. For some businesses this will be new, so check out the Customs Brexit Information Seminar slides: Pdf

If you trade regularly with the UK then you should consider an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number and register FOR Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) which enables “Trusted” businesses simplified customs procedures. See:  for more details. In the event of “no-deal”, all exports and imports to the UK will be subject to tariffs under the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). You will need to identify where “inputs” come from and which categories of product they fall into so you can work out the tariffs that will apply.

If you have contracts with UK companies these may need to be redrafted to clarify the terms for trade, including VAT changes.

Enterprise Ireland has some further guidance:

What’s clear is that Brexit requires you to have a good think about your future Strategy planning. Take some time to think about what needs to be done sooner rather than later.

Whether there is a “no-deal”, a brief delay in the UK’s departure and a “deal” or a longer period of transition we advise all businesses to research all scenarios and “plan for the worst and hope for the best”. BREXIT – WHAT NOW FOR BUSINESSES THAT TRADE WITH THE UK?  AN UPDATE.

We have a more comprehensive “no-deal” Brexit planning checklist available for clients – please contact us for a copy.

To know more about Brexit Book a Meeting