Brexit has reshaped the landscape of international trade, particularly for businesses engaged in import and export between the UK and the European Union. With the UK officially leaving the EU, companies have had to adapt to new regulations, customs procedures, and economic shifts. In this article, we explore what Brexit means, its impact on trade, and how businesses can navigate these changes.
What is Brexit?
Brexit refers to the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, following a 2016 referendum. After years of negotiations, the UK officially exited the EU’s single market and customs union on January 1, 2021. This marked the beginning of a new trade era, requiring businesses to comply with new agreements and regulations when trading between the UK and EU member states.
How Brexit affects import and export
Since Brexit, UK businesses trading with the EU have faced significant changes, including:
- Customs declarations & border checks – Companies now need to submit customs declarations for goods entering or leaving the UK, increasing administrative work and costs.
- Tariffs & duties – While the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) ensures tariff-free trade for many goods, businesses must meet specific rules of origin requirements to qualify.
- Delays & supply chain disruptions – Additional paperwork and checks at ports have led to shipment delays, affecting supply chain efficiency.
- Regulatory compliance – Different standards and regulations between the UK and EU require companies to adjust product certification, labeling, and compliance procedures.
- VAT changes – Import VAT now applies to EU goods entering the UK, and vice versa, requiring businesses to register for VAT in different jurisdictions.
- Restricted access to the EU labour market – Many UK businesses reliant on EU workers have faced workforce shortages due to new immigration policies.
Steps for businesses to adapt
To ensure smooth trading post-Brexit, businesses should consider the following actions:
- Stay updated on regulations – Regularly review UK and EU trade policies to remain compliant with customs and tax regulations.
- Partner with a reliable freight forwarder – Experienced logistics providers can help navigate customs procedures and minimize delays.
- Use a customs broker – Hiring customs specialists can streamline import/export documentation and ensure accuracy.
- Check rules of origin – Ensure your goods meet the necessary criteria to benefit from tariff-free trade under the TCA.
- Review supply chain strategies – Diversifying suppliers and stockpiling critical goods can help mitigate disruptions.
How Berencourt can help
Navigating post-Brexit trade complexities can be challenging, but with the right expertise, businesses can continue to operate smoothly. At Berencourt Global Logistics, we provide tailored logistics solutions to help businesses manage customs procedures, optimize supply chains, and maintain compliance.
Need expert guidance on post-Brexit imports and exports? Contact us today.
