News and Views

The Government has this week published a statement re-confirming the temporary tariff rates that would apply to the agri-food and other sectors if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31st October. There are three specific changes affecting HGVs, bioethanol and clothing.

Further information about these tariff rates can be found on gov.uk.

As previously outlined in March 2019, the temporary tariff regime aims to minimise costs to business and mitigate price impacts on consumers, while also supporting UK producers.

Alongside this announcement, the Government has also set out more detailed information about an exceptional review process, which will come into force on exit day. Businesses and consumers will be able to provide feedback on the impact of the temporary tariff regime to the government through an online feedback form. The government will then review the evidence and consider whether any changes need to be made to the temporary tariff regime.

This review mechanism is intended to make changes to the tariff policy that are necessary in the short term and where there is clear evidence provided, but is not intended as the route to establish the UK’s permanent tariff regime.

A separate public consultation on the UK’s permanent tariff regime will take place during the twelve month period of the temporary tariff policy. More information about this consultation will be made available in due course.

Read the full press release published on gov.uk.

Get ready for Brexit

The way we trade with the EU and other countries is changing. With fewer than 25 days until Brexit, it is important that businesses continue to take action to prepare.

Businesses who export meat, dairy, live animals and fish should download these flowcharts which explain the new processes for trading these products.

If you trade with the EU you will need a UK EORI number that starts with GB.

• HMRC will auto enrol any business that is VAT registered. If you are not VAT registered but wish to trade with the EU you will need to register yourself.
• If you already have an EORI number that starts with GB, you can continue to use it.

The UK benefits from trade agreements with other countries through membership of the EU. Some of these agreements won’t apply after Brexit. You should:

• Check to see if the countries you trade with are affected.
• Check if tariffs will apply to the goods you import into the UK.
• Check if your international customers will have to pay tariffs on the products you are exporting to them.
• Explore opportunities for the export of your goods to other markets and access advice, market knowledge and practical support from the Department for International Trade.

Depending on what you are trading, there may be additional commodity-specific processes that you should be aware of. Check GOV.UK/Brexit for more info.

You can find an information leaflet outlining the basic principles of tariffs and trade agreements with a list of steps to prepare for a no deal Brexit in Defra’s Food and Drink showcase Dropbox with other shareable resources: https://shwca.se/FoodBrexit.

If you have further questions, please contact:

• General trade queries: EUExit@trade.gov.uk
• Brexit Import and Export Helpline: 0300 3301 331
• Product and agreement specific queries: tradepolicy@defra.gov.uk
• Defra Helpline: 03459 33 55 77
• The Department for International Trade also has an online enquiries service at www.great.gov.uk/eu-exit-news/contact/.