Customs:

• Do you plan to do the customs work yourself or will you use a customs agent?
• If doing this work yourself, have you the necessary software?
• Is your import declaration software system up to date? Revenue’s new Automated Import System (AIS) will be available from November 2020.
• Do you have export declaration software? Export declarations must be submitted to the Automated Entry Processing (AEP) System which is now available.
• Will you be responsible for customs formalities in Great Britain (GB)? If so, do you know what is required and have you identified a customs agent to complete these formalities? Checkout out www.gov.uk/transition for further information.

Logistics:

• Have you considered the impact of Brexit on your logistics model?
• Do you know the essential information the person who moves your goods will need and when they will need it?
• Does your logistics provider know what is required?

Supply Chain and Origin of Goods:

• Do you know where your goods originate (goods that come from GB may not originate in GB), their value, customs classification code and invoicing currency?
• Does your business make use of any EU VAT simplification measures (such as triangulation or self-billing)?
  • These measures will no longer be available where part of the transaction occurs in GB.
• Do you incur VAT on purchases or charge VAT on sales made in GB?
• If so, the European VAT Refund (EVR) system will no longer be available to reclaim VAT expended or refund VAT charged in GB.

Payment of Import Duties & Cashflow:

• Have you considered the cashflow implications of having to pay import duties (Customs duty, VAT and Excise) for goods imported from GB?
• Have you registered for ROS in order to be able to lodge funds into your Customs Account to cover import duties?
• Are you aware you can apply for deferred payment which allows you to defer payment of import charges until the month following import?

VAT:

• A zero VAT rate applies to exports leaving the EU. To apply this you must ensure that the goods have left the EU and have evidence of export – have you put a process in place for this?
• The VAT treatment of supplies of goods to Northern Ireland after 31 December 2020 will not change, they will still be considered to be either intra-Community supplies where such supplies are made to businesses, or distance sales of goods where such supplies are made to private customers. Current invoicing, record-keeping and reporting obligations will continue to apply.

Customs Authorisations:

There are authorisations and reliefs available which may allow you to complete customs formalities more efficiently.

• Have you considered which authorisations, if any, may suit your business model?

Certification:

If you buy or sell any products that require certification or a licence to import from or export to the UK, you will need to contact the relevant regulator or authority to put any necessary measures in place in advance.

• Do you know if you require such certification or a licence?

Supports and Advice:

Are you aware of the Government supports available to help you get ready for Brexit? Have you availed of Brexit advice from your trade representative body and/or the relevant State agencies?

If not, you may be missing out on vital help that is available to you at no cost.

 The time to act is now. Get Brexit ready.