Are you ready for trading with and hiring from the EU?

With the latest round of negotiations underway to agree a trade deal between the UK and the EU ahead of the end of the Brexit Transition period on 31st December 2020, time is running out to get your business prepared.

The British Chambers of Commerce has highlighted key points that businesses importing or exporting goods from or to the EU needs to review to get ready for the changes that are coming on 1st January:

What is my EORI Number?

Do I need an XI EORI for Northern Ireland trade?

Should I register for the Northern Ireland Trader Support Service?

Will I use staged or full import controls?

How do I set up Postponed VAT Accounting?

Should I apply for a Duty Deferment Account?

How many Customs Declarations do I make?

Can my forwarder/agent meet my extra demand for Customs Declarations?

What are the Commodity Codes for the goods I buy and sell?

What is the Customs Valuation for my goods?

What are the rules that will apply to the borders I trade across?

Does my business move data between the UK and EU?

For further Brexit information from the British Chambers of Commerce, click here.

Free movement of people ending: get your Sponsor Licence Now

When the free movement of people from the EU ends on 31st December 2020, the UK will have a points-based immigration system that will treat EU1 and non-EU citizens equally and transform the way in which all migrants come to the UK to work. Anyone coming to the UK to work, excluding Irish citizens, will need to apply for permission in advance. Anyone coming to the UK for work must meet a specific set of requirements for which they will score points. Visas are then awarded to those who gain enough points.

Under the new system, anyone coming to the UK to work will need to demonstrate that they have a job offer from a Home Office Licensed Sponsor, the job offer is at the required skill level and they speak English to the required standard. In addition to this, the job offer must meet the applicable minimum salary threshold. This is the higher of either the general salary threshold of £25,600, or the specific salary requirement for their occupation, known as the “going rate”. All applicants will be able to trade characteristics, such as their qualifications, against a lower salary to get the required number of points.

Alan Mitchell, Chief Executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, said: “The new rules will no doubt prove challenging for many businesses to interpret and apply, especially companies that haven’t traditionally recruited staff from overseas or only recruit them from the EU. It is important that businesses familiarise themselves with the new rules quickly and seek guidance and support to make sure they are prepared. That help is available and TalentScotland, part of Scottish Enterprise, is one source of advice. It is especially important that businesses register for their Sponsor Licence if they don’t currently have one or renew their existing one now. Without it they won’t be able to hire anyone from overseas when the new rules start.”

Click here for Home Office guidance.

Click here for TalentScotland.