Brexit Update 23 November 2020 by Camilla Call, Brexit Advisor
The UK-EU negotiations roll into yet another week, this time remotely due to one of the EU team testing positive for Covid-19. Monday sees the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee question the Cabinet Office, HMRC and DEFRA about the level of preparedness of the UK border. On Wednesday the House of Lords will have its final reading of the Internal Market Bill before going back to the House of Commons for review of amendments.
The Guardian (17 November) outlines a letter from police chiefs warning of the damage of a no-deal to fighting crime in the UK. Loss of systems, some used more than 500m times in 2018, and replacement with fallback systems will make it operationally more difficult. Currently all member states can view the information including missing persons and those wanted for criminal offences.
Bloomberg reported on November 18 that the UK is close to signing a trade deal with Canada, its 12th biggest trading partner. The Department for International Trade said the talks were “at an advanced stage and progressing well”. Liz Truss, Trade Secretary, said she hoped this would pave the way for an even closer relationship with Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was very optimistic about the relationship with the UK and the potential for securing a deal.
The Independent reported on 21 November that the agreement in principle had been agreed.
The House of Lords voted to amend two parts of the Internal Market Bill, as reported by BBC on 19 November. The first involved strengthening the roles of the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland after claims the Bill would allow their views to be bypassed. The second was to prevent parts of the Bill being rewritten at a later stage. Once this is sent back to the House of Commons, they will decide whether to accept or reject the amendments; however, they have not ruled out using the Parliament Act 1911 which enables the vote of the elected Commons to override the vote of the unelected Lords.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma has written to the construction sector and manufacturing sector thanking all involved for their continued contributions.
New and Updated Guidance
As part of the Government’s preparations to support business and industry to get ready for the end of the transition period, they’ve launched the EU Transition Trader and Industry Forum. This is designed so you can ask questions about the preparations you need to make now for the new rules to EU trade from 1 January.
Check what declarations need to be made for goods you bring or receive into the UK from 1 January 2021: If you’re a UK-based business bringing or receiving goods into Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Find out what declarations may need to be made by clicking here.
Check what declarations need to be made for goods you send the UK from 1 January 2021: If you’re a UK-based business sending goods from Great Britain or Northern Ireland find out what declarations may need to be made by clicking here.
Using personal data in your business or other organisation after the transition period: Guidance about personal data provisions in the Withdrawal Agreement has been updated. Click here for more information and to see what actions you need to take regarding data protection and data flows with the EU/EEA, after the end of the transition period.
Public-sector procurement: From 1 January 2021, businesses will be able to use “Find a Tender” to view public procurement notices published by UK contracting authorities.
You will still be able to use existing portals such as Contracts Finder, MOD Defence Contracts Online, Public Contracts Scotland, Sell2Wales and eTendersNI to view low value or location specific notices. For more information, click here.
HMRC has released a short video to promote a new digital tool to help traders check if they can apply for authorisations to delay customs payments and declarations. To view the video, click here.
The date that you can claim VAT refunds has been updated:
- VAT refunds from EU countries from 1 January 2021: You can continue to use the EU VAT refund system to claim a VAT refund on expenses incurred before 1 January 2021 in EU member states, until 11pm on 31 March 2021. For more information, click here.
- UK VAT refunds from 1 January if you’re an EU business: The UK will continue to accept refund claims through the EU VAT refund system for VAT charged in the UK before 1 January 2021, until 11pm on 31 March 2021. For more information, click here.
Exporting or importing objects of cultural interest from 1 January 2021: To export cultural objects from 1 January 2021 you will need a UK license, guidance has been updated to reflect that Arts Council England Offices are still closed but can be contacted by email. For more information click here.
Fluorinated gases and ozone-depleting substances – How to do business from 1 January 2021: The quota registration and application window for HFCs and ODS is now open. For more information, click here.
Meeting climate change requirements from 1 January 2021: Guidance has been updated to reflect that the European Commission has confirmed that UK-accredited verifiers are able to verify 2020 emissions for UK operators only, but not EU operators. For more information, click here.
Fresh fruit and vegetable marketing standards from 1 January 2021: Guidance has been updated to reflect that imports from the EU to Great Britain do not require an EU-issued Certificate of Conformity before they’re released into free circulation in Great Britain. There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for importing fruit and vegetables to Northern Ireland (NI) from the EU and there is no change to the requirements for moving fruit and vegetables to GB from NI. For more information, click here.
Customs agents and fast parcel operators: The list of customs agents and fast parcel operators has been updated. For more information, click here.
Dorset Chamber delivers a free of charge International Trade and Brexit advice service to all businesses, supported by Dorset LEP. For information and advice please contact us at gateway@dcci.co.uk / 01202 714800 or visit dorsetchamber.co.uk.