There is still much for government to deliver, but a timely preparation by business will help to smooth the future passage of goods and services with our largest trading partner from the start of the New Year.

While the government continues its negotiations with the EU with the aim of achieving a Free Trade Agreement, there is still much that businesses can do now to ensure that the goods they depend upon continue to flow across our borders. 

With less than 80 days until to the UK’s EU departure, the time to take action is now. 

Businesses must be ready to switch to new systems and new methods of trading from 1st January 2021 if their businesses are to be protected. 

The preparations which business can make should not be reliant upon a trade deal being reached – organisations will need to take many of the same steps to maintain the supply chain whatever the political outcome in Brussels and London.

It is critical for everyone to start preparing now. All importers and export traders will need to ensure they have import and export paperwork and systems ready, whatever the outcome of the political negotiations. These include applying for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number which is needed before any goods can be moved, and knowing the Commodity Code and customs value of the goods, which are all needed to make a customs declaration and calculate duties. 

In addition, hauliers will need to understand and be able to use at least eight new IT systems to make Roll-On Roll-Off trade move efficient. There are four separate systems required by the UK government and one for each of Ireland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. All will take time to install and learn and should not be left to the last minute.

There are many other areas which, while seemingly innocent, could trip up the very best intentions of traders to maintain a seamless supply chain.

Businesses need to consider if they considered how they will make declarations to HMRC systems, and whether they will employ an agent. It is also important to consider whether they can, and would, benefit from using any available simplifications or deferred customs declarations for standard goods. All this takes time and needs to be factored into the planning process – leaving it to the last minute could be problematic at best.

Make use of the Government assistance available for business Brexit readiness

HMRC has made funding of £50m available to enhance its Customs Grant Scheme. Organisations can apply for funding to reimburse a number of costs associated with increasing their capacity and enhancing their ability to complete customs declarations, ahead of the new rules from January 2021. Eligible organisations can apply for funding for recruitment, employee training and IT, in preparation for additional customs declarations. 

The Trader Support Service is now live for business, providing education and guidance for traders moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The free-to-use digital service will help businesses and traders of all sizes to navigate the changes to the way goods move once the Northern Ireland Protocol comes into effect on 1st January 2021.

Traders who sign up to the Trader Support Service will be guided through the new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol and can also use it to complete digital declarations.

Despite the challenges transport and logistics faces with the Covid-19 pandemic and the festive season, traditionally our busiest time of year as well as our departure from the EU, don’t forget we are the problem solvers, we are the profession that is most adaptable and, most importantly, we are the people who will work tirelessly to ensure we keep our economy trading.