How to prepare Kent businesses that export to Europe for new rules from January 1, 2021

Sponsored Editorial: Produced in association with Kent County Council

It’s all change for Kent firms trading with Europe.

New rules for exporting goods to the EU start on January 1.

But what sort of things should Kent businesses be thinking about?

1. Find out how to declare goods

From January 1you’ll need to make customs declarations when exporting goods to the EU. These rules currently apply to exporting goods to the rest of the world, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

You can make the declarations yourself, but most businesses use a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent.

2. Check the new rules for your type of goods

From January 1 the rules for exporting some types of goods will change. Businesses should check what export licences or certificates they need.

3. Make sure you have an EORI number starting with GB, EORI stands for “Economic Operators Registration and Identification number”.

You must use the EORI number as an identification number in all customs procedures when exchanging information with Customs administrations. You will need an EORI number that starts with GB to export goods from January 1.

4. Find out if you can charge VAT at 0%

From January 1 you can charge customers VAT at 0% (known as ‘zero rate’) on most goods you export to the EU. Check if you can zero rate your goods for VAT.

5. Check if you can make the exporting process quicker

You may be able to use Common Transit to move your goods more quickly to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

6. Check if the EU business you’re exporting to is ready

The EU business you’re exporting to will also need to prepare for January 1, 2021. Before sending the business your goods, check they can make the necessary import declarations. They’ll also need a licence or certificate to import some types of goods.

If you do business with Europe the best thing you can do is visit gov.uk/transition and start preparing today.

For local sources of advice and support, visit kent.gov.uk/transition.

Act now. Time is running out.