HMRC has sent out letters to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU. These letters highlight the steps to take to prepare for new post-Brexit trading requirements, coming into effect starting 1 January 2021.

The letters explain what businesses need to do to prepare for new processes for moving goods between Great Britain and the EU, and highlight practical steps to prepare including:

• Registering for a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
• Deciding how to make customs declarations
• Check if import VAT is due at the border
• Check the Government’s tariff tables and consider how your trade will be affected
• Checking eligibility of imported goods for staged import controls
• Sign up for the Trader Support Service, if you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK

These requirements will be necessary irrespective of the outcome of the negotiations between the EU and the UK. Businesses can find more information on HMRC’s website.