Exporters need to be prepared for a potential no-deal Brexit

Deal or no-Deal

Exporters need to be prepared

If/When the UK leaves the EU, the rules on the shipment of goods will change. Shipping goods from the UK to EU member states will be known as exports rather than dispatches. It is possible that the UK will agree transitional arrangements with the EU in the next few weeks, so exporters should watch out for updates from the government. Therefore, in order to prepare for a no-deal Brexit scenario, exporters will need to take the following action:

• Apply for an EORI number (Economic Operator Registration Identification). This will allow you to submit customs declaration forms, which you will need to import or export goods.

• You must update your contracts to show that you are now an exporter.

• To remove goods from the UK you will need to submit an export declaration form at the port of export, and you need to consider how you will do this. Exports will have to be reported to HMRC at the point of departure and they will need to clear Customs when they arrive at their destination.

HMRC has notified 88,000 VAT registered businesses to confirm they have been automatically enrolled for an EORI number. If the UK leave the EU with no-deal, an EORI number will be required to export or import goods from any country.

There are around 100,000 businesses not registered for VAT that are trading in the EU.  If the UK leave the EU on no-deal terms, these businesses will need to apply for an EORI number to continue trading in other EU countries – you can do that here. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply and you should receive your EORI number within at least 5 working days.

How can we help

At Hawsons we offer many VAT services such as, VAT registration, VAT Health check, and VAT on property transactions and options to tax. Over the past 12 months we have registered companies, sole proprietors and partnerships for VAT with HMRC. Using our expertise, we have advised clients whether to register for VAT voluntarily or if they are required to register due to their turnover. For more information on our VAT services click here