Exporting & trading internationally

The UK has left the EU. There is now a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements. New rules take effect on 1 January 2021.

With guidance, advice and reports released weekly, it can be difficult for businesses to understand how Brexit will affect them and know how to plan and prepare for it.

You and your business should prepare now.

There is a government website so businesses can identify what they need to do to ensure they are ready for Brexit, this also includes videos and step-by-step guides, making it easy and simple for businesses to follow and take action if needed. 

Through the website, you will be able to find out:

• what your business may need to do to prepare for the UK leaving the EU
• what’s changing in your industry
• information on specific rules and regulations

Actions need to be taken if you:

• export goods to the EU 
• import goods from the EU 
• transport goods by road 
• export animals or animal products

A series of checklists having been produced for businesses to use, to help you prepare for 1 January 2021: 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the electronics and machinery sector. For more information about the 9-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in consumer goods sector: For more information about the 13-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the automotive sector: For more information about the 10-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in aerospace sector: For more information about the 9-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in science, research and innovation sector: For more information about the 8-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in life sciences sector: For more information about the 12-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the construction sector: For more information about the 11-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in arts, heritage and culture sector: For more information about the 7-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the telecoms and information services sector: For more information about the 6-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the tourism sector: For more information about the 6-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the gambling sector: For more information about the 5-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the civil society sector: For more information about the 4-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

New guidance on preparing for the end of the transition period if you work in the creative industries sector: For more information about the 6-point checklist to understand what you need to do before 1 January 2021, click here. 

Food and Drink labelling changes from 1 January 2021: Further information about country of origin labels and food business operator (FBO) addresses for food and drink producers, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers has been updated here.  

Regulating medical devices from 1 January 2021: UKNI guidance and clarification surrounding grace periods for placing medical devices on GB, NI and EU markets. For more information, click here

Exporters with an interest in various sectors should check to see if their items are on the dual-use control list by using the Goods Checker Tool. They can also use the Control List Classification Service on the online export licensing system. 

If you do not have a licence to export – your goods may be stopped by Customs. 

Sectors of interest are: 

• nuclear materials and processing equipment 
• materials processing – machine tools 
• electronics 
• computers – specific parameters 
• telecommunications 
• information security including cyber and crypto 
• sensors and lasers including imaging equipment and radars 
• navigation and avionics 
• marine 
• aerospace and propulsion 

For enquiries please contact exportcontrol.help@trade.gov.uk

Department for International Trade (DIT) is a government run website who are responsible for promoting British trade across the world and ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us. They are responsible for the following:

• Developing, coordinating and delivering a new trade and investment policy to promote UK business across the globe.
• Developing and negotiating free trade agreements and market access deals with non-EU countries.
• Negotiating plurilateral trade deals (focused on specific sectors or products).
• Providing operational support for exports and facilitating inward and outward investment

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) helps companies to improve, innovate and grow through partnership and expert advice. The network offers a bridge to European opportunities to save time, money and reduce risk, providing practical, hands-on support and information for South East businesses hoping to expand into Europe, wishing to develop technology partnerships or seeking funding and tender opportunities. They also provide help through PartnerFinder, a free searchable database of 13,000 plus European Business opportunities.

The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce provide support and advice to businesses in all areas of International Trade development. They also provide up-to-date country information together with advice on essential documentation.