HMRC urges businesses to act now to avoid delays

This month, HMRC has sent 250,000 letters and emails to VAT-registered traders urging them to get ready for the new trading rules. 

The changes to customs and tax rules on 1 January will affect everyone who trades with Europe, no matter the type or value of the goods they buy or sell, how frequently they trade or how their goods are transported. Ongoing trade negotiations between the UK and the EU will not impact on this deadline.  

According to the government, there will be no further extensions and these talks will not remove the changes ahead for trading with Europe. As of 1 January, businesses will no longer be able to trade with EU countries in the same way they do at present. 

In HMRC’s letter, the office urges traders to complete the new trader checklist, which can be found on GOV.UK. It helps them work through the key steps they will need to take to prepare for 1 January 2021.

For businesses that plan on moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the free Trader Support Service can guide them through new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol that starts from 1 January 2021.

You can find more information in the news story published on GOV.UK, and by searching ‘Brexit transition’ on GOV.UK for importing and exporting guidance, checklists and webinars on how to prepare for 1 January.