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The UK has left the EU and is leaving the EU single market and customs union. The end of the transition period will affect businesses and you should take action now to prepare for guaranteed changes and new rules from January 2021. To support business preparations the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is hosting free webinars to help you check the new rules and understand the actions to take. Click on your sector below to register to attend a live webinar which will provide information on key actions for businesses in these sectors.  Following the live events the webinars will be available on demand. To register, click on the links below: Services & Investment (13th Oct - 11:00 a.m.) Automotive (14th Oct - 2:00p.m) Retail (14th Oct - 11:00 a.m.) Metals & Other Materials (20th Oct - 11:00 a.m.) Electronics & Machinery (21st Oct - 11:00 a.m.) Consumer Goods (22nd Oct - 11:00 a.m.) Life Sciences (27th Oct - 11:00 a.m.) Construction (28th Oct - 11:00 a.m.) Aerospace (29th Oct - 11:00 a.m.)

The British Chambers of Commerce has published a critical update of its Brexit guidance dashboard containing 26 key questions that remain unanswered with just 90 days to go until the end of the Brexit transition period. The leading business group published the document alongside new research which suggests business preparation for the coming changes is low due to the unprecedented challenges facing them. 26 unanswered questions reflect fundamental aspects of business operations, including UK/EU customs checks and rules of origin Just 38% of firms have done a Brexit risk assessment in 2020, compared to 57% in 2019 BCC seeks clarity for businesses and an immediate resumption immediate resumption of weekly business preparedness summits with senior ministers Unanswered questions The BCC’s Brexit guidance dashboard compiles 35 questions most frequently raised by businesses, many of which apply in a deal or no deal scenario. The BCC gives just 9 a green status, indicating there is sufficient information available to plan. 19 are amber, indicating some information is available, and seven are red, indicating there is inadequate actionable information. Many of the unanswered questions reflect fundamental aspects of how companies operate. Among other things: firms do not know what rules of origin will apply after the transition period, preventing them and their customers from planning and potentially creating unprecedented new administration and costs; there is no clarity on how food and drink due to be sold in the EU and Northern Ireland is to be labelled; very limited guidance on the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland; and no information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, key to ‘levelling up’ the regions and nations - despite years of calls for clarity. Low levels of business preparedness The lack of information for firms is compounded by new BCC research released today, which found that just 38% of firms had completed a Brexit risk assessment this year, compared to 57% in 2019 and 35% in 2018. The research also found that more than half(51%) of firms surveyed had not taken any of the eight steps recommended by the government to prepare for changes in the movement of goods between the UK and the EU. This includes fundamentals of operation for trading businesses such as checking on the need for customs declarations and assessing the possible impact of changes on existing customers and suppliers. The lack of information with which to plan and potential deadline fatigue presents further challenges to firms up and down the UK that have faced reduced demand, ongoing government restrictions and sustained cashflow challenges due to the Coronavirus crisis. Demanding action The leading business group - which represents 75,000 firms of all sizes and sectors across the UK employing nearly six million people, and works with over 30,000 companies that trade internationally each year – has written to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove seeking action for businesses and urgent discussions to help firms prepare. BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “With just 98 days to go, business communities face the triple threat of a resurgent Coronavirus, receding government support schemes, and a disorderly end to the transition period. “Significant unanswered questions remain for businesses, and despite recent public information campaigns, base levels of preparedness are low. Many firms say they've heard talk of deadlines and cliff edges before, and others are still grappling with fundamental challenges as a result of the pandemic and have little cash or information with which to plan. “While we recognise that some of the questions facing businesses are subject to ongoing negotiations between the government and the EU, other matters are within the UK’s own hands. The government must ramp up engagement with business urgently – to the levels seen prior to previous ‘no deal’ deadlines – to ensure that the real-world issues facing firms get tackled immediately. “The ‘Check, Change, Go’ campaign gives the impression that Brexit-related changes are like getting an MOT – whereas the reality is that for many businesses, they’re more akin to planning a moon landing. Businesses need honest communication about the complexity of the changes they face – and stronger encouragement to act.” Need Help Getting Brexit Ready? Don't delay action and take advantage of all the free tools and services available in our hub. If you require more in-depth support, email us at exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk and a member of our team will be happy to have a free no-obligation chat about how we can help.

A few weeks ago it was announced the UK Government was ready to breach international law through their introduction of the Internal Market Bill, which said to infringe parts of the Withdrawal Agreement. Today, Michel Barnier, EU's Chief Negotiator, has assured that 'Full & effective implementation of Withdrawal Agreement will always be an absolute priority for the European union'. The EU has now proceeded to send a letter to the UK Government of formal notice about this infringement and giving the UK a month to reply to this letter. This of course is adding another layer of complexity to a process that was already difficult in itself. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said 'the EU is starting legal action against the U.K. for breaching its obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement' - Watch her brief speech here as reported by Bloomberg. With an original view that a trade deal will be signed off by the 15th October, it now seems very unlikely that will be the case. We remain observant of this process, as any further fall-out on this negotiation process at this stage could see even further delays in getting a UK-EU trade agreement, not to mention further disruptions on what it is already expected a period that will bring many changes.

On the 28th September, HMRC release its new Trade Support Service which will support businesses who move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the new NI Protocol. With less than 100 days to go to the end of the transition period, businesses are urge to sign up. The digital support service will provide traders with: A free end-to-end support package to manage import and safety and security declarations on behalf of traders. Education on what the Protocol means for them, and the steps they need to take to comply with it. This will include online training sessions and webinars, with information being continually updated as we move closer to 1 January 2021. Help to complete relevant declaration forms for all businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland under new processes in the Northern Ireland Protocol that start from 1 January 2021 HMRC will be communication via email and mail to 1000s of traders to encourage them to sign up. With a backing of over £200million in funding this is an important step to support exporters and importers on 'Getting Brexit Ready'. Companies can sign here for the TSS: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service

In a statement made to the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, just a week ago, he clearly indicates that with now less than 100 days before the UK officially leaves the EU Customs Union and the Single Market, there are great opportunities ahead but also important challenges. Mr. Grove says "The Government is of course committed to negotiating a new Free Trade Agreement with the EU before the end of the transition period. And those talks are progressing. But, whatever the outcome of those negotiations, things will change for businesses and individuals as they trade with and travel to the EU. It is important that we as Parliamentarians all understand that and that we all take action to prepare" As we have been saying over the years since the referendum, there will be some fundamentals in the way we trade that will change. With or without a deal, there will be additional customs procedures UK and EU companies will have to carry out from 1st January 2021 onwards. The statement also says that in a recent survey, whilst 78% of the surveyed companies indicated to have taken steps to prepare, only 24% of those believe are 'fully prepared', and more worrisome is the fact that 43% of the businesses believed there will be an extension to the transition period, despite the fact the deadline to request for it has long gone. Whilst the government is making investments in terms of its infrastructure and skill set across the country, if companies are not taken themselves the proper steps to prepare we will see further disruptions to what we can expect with the introductions of new processes and IT systems, and a wider economic impact. The Chancellor continues to highlight what could be a 'Reasonable worst-case scenario', which is not classified as a forecast nor prediction, but simply intends to set an scenario of what will likely happen if all are not prepare. If you are a UK exporter or importer, or a business seeking to start exporting/importing in the near future, it is imperative you understand what are the key areas of your business that will be impacted by the UK leaving the customs union and single market, and ensuring you are taking the right steps to be ready to navigate through those challenges. Greater Manchester Chamber has taken steps to help companies offering a mix of free and commercial services to help companies prepare: Free Masterclasses which provide high level overview on key technical areas of exporting and importing. Free Countdown to end of transition period webinars Training Courses which offer more in-depth knowledge regarding the operation side of trading globally. Including our Customs Declarations and Brexit Workshop Brexit Compliance Digital Package Custom Declarations Brokerage Service Don't leave it till the last minute and Get Brexit Ready with Greater Manchester Chamber!

The European Commission has today launched a new Customs Union Action Plan setting out a series of measures to make EU customs smarter, more innovative and more efficient over the next four years. The announced measures will strengthen the Customs Union as a cornerstone of the Single Market. They also confirm its major role in protecting EU revenues and the security, health and prosperity of EU citizens and businesses. To read more, please click here

The press released from the Department of International Trade (DIT) claims that during the 2019-20 FY period, the department helped to remove over 175 barriers to trade across 61 countries. Some of the barriers include unnecessary, legal, regulatory, or administrative requirements. This includes labelling restrictions, out-of-date regulations, and licensing requirements. The UK's Government analysis says that liberalising market access barriers could boost British exports by £75bn per year. Some of the barriers the government claims has helped lifted over the past year include: Lifting of beef and lamb export ban to Japan which is worth an estimated £127 million over the first five years of access – approximately £75 million for beef and £52 million for lamb. Working with the Brazilian Government to make it easier for British fisherman to export products to Brazil, including Salmon. Removing the strict labelling rules on products to the UAE has allowed sports nutrition company, Grenade, to export to the UK’s largest export market in the Middle East. Overseas sales account for 20% of Grenade’s annual turnover, and online sales are up by 294%, as the company experiences its best year of e-commerce sales to date, having already surpassed 2019 sales. Highlighting the opportunities available to UK businesses in new markets. If you are an UK businesses who is facing trade barriers which are affecting your ability to grow globally, you can report your barrier here For more information on this Press Release, please visit the UK Gov website here

Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor at Sky News has reported that four senior US congressman have written to the Prime Minister to reiterate that there will be no US-UK Trade Deal if the legislations to override the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement isn't pulled. The letter from the US congressman indicate strong concerns over the news that the UK Government may be looking to override elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol and this could jeopardise US-UK bilateral relationship, not to mention the serious impact on the Island of Ireland, as a hard border could be seen to ignite old tensions. This latest manoeuvre comes after conversations with the EU stalled on issues around state aid and fisheries. The UK's approach to Brexit has not only raised concerns in the US, but has led to the resignation of over six civil servants that have found it impossible to do their jobs because of it. The US is our largest single export and import market for both services and goods, and their position is expected to put pressure on the UK government to refrain from breaking the law and specially as a no-deal will see even larger disruptions of what is already anticipated by experts. Read more about this here

Today was announced that the UK successfully agreed its first trade agreement post-Brexit era as an independent nation with Japan, and it is expected that will see an increase is trade flows by an estimated £15.2billion where we will see 99% of UK exports entering the Japanese market tariff-free. Not only that, UK government analysis indicates the economy will see a boost of £1.5bn and increase on UK worker's wages by £800million in the long run. As of 2019, and according to regional trade statistics released by HMRC, trade of goods between UK and Japan had reached £15,509million, and over £6,500million for services. For the North West Region trade in 2019 was over £693million but in the 2016-19 period, actually had seen decline in its exports by 8% and did not register an increase in imports. Currently the NW region ranks 7th & 3rd in terms of its contribution to the trade in goods for exports and imports respectively. This is therefore a great opportunity to revamp the North West and Greater Manchester trade links with Japan. For more information about the benefits this historic agreement will bring to UK Companies, please visit the UK Gov website here The British Chambers of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall responded to the UK-Japan Free Trade Agreement News saying: “Businesses will warmly welcome this milestone free trade deal with Japan, which provides access to a major market for traders across the UK. “Chambers of Commerce stand ready to work with government to ensure that the benefits of this agreement are felt by businesses on the ground. Firms will want to see the specific provisions to support small businesses replicated in future trade deals to help business communities thrive and grow in future. “Whilst this agreement is undoubtedly cause for celebration, securing a Free Trade Agreement with the EU remains critical to the future of businesses in the UK. We urge Ministers to redouble their efforts to reach a comprehensive partnership with our largest trading partner at a crucial time in the negotiations'

This week we had Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation and Chamber Customs in our Chamber Live giving his views on the most recent news regarding EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement as the Northern Ireland Secretary told MPs the Internal Market Bill will be overriding certain elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol. He is the first one on our series of guests we had this week, his interview like talk is fort he first 15 minutes, so listen as he provides useful insights and top tips for businesses seeking to prepare for the upcoming changes. Check our youtube video here

EU counterparts have expressed strong concerns about a controversial bill published by the UK Government, where parts of the Prime Minister Brexit Deal seem to be geared to override and even breach international law. The Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis have told MPs this Tuesday the UK Market Internal Bills, which seek to give Northern Ireland continuous and smooth access to the rest of the UK markets, will breach international law in a very specific and limited way. Understandably, the EU has call for an emergency meeting so the UK can elaborate further and respond to their concerns, and the government has encounter further backlash from other fronts as response to this news. As progress has been stalled, the country could be facing once again a no-deal scenario at the end of this year, and without the possibility of a further extension to the transition period, UK and EU companies could see more disruptions on how they will operate from January 2021 onwards. Business must not let their guard down and really continue their preparation to ensure they continue trading despite upcoming changes, expected delays and disruptions. The Chamber Network keeps urging companies to not let their guard down. Does your business need help Getting Brexit Ready? Check our new digital packages - from readiness assessment and compliance review to customs declarations and training, we are here to provide tailored support.

It has been on the news the so called US-Chine Trade War, with Trump imposing tariffs in some Chinese goods in a claim this will protect their local industry. The WTO Panel wrote on the report: "Regarding the imposition of additional duties on List 2 products, the Panel found that the United States had not provided an explanation that would allow the Panel to understand an “ends and means” relationship between the additional duties on List 2 products and the public morals objective invoked by the United States. In summary, the Panel concluded that the United States had not provided an explanation demonstrating how the imposition of additional duties on the selected imported products in List 1 and List 2 was apt to contribute to the public morals objective invoked, and, following on from that, how they were necessary to protect public morals. The Panel found, accordingly, that the United States had not met its burden of demonstrating that the measures are provisionally justified under Article XX(a)" Additional comments though on this report, says the role of the panel was not to draw on any legal conclusions or provide any recommendations on any matters other than those it had been specifically tasked to deal with, and thus the Panel recalled that the Government of the United States had not yet initiated action under the WTO DSU with respect to measures that China had imposed in response to the United States measures at issue in this dispute. So whilst this may be seen as one step forward, it remains to be seen if the US will take counteraction for the Chinese response to their tariffs imposition. For more information on this report, click here

The UK government has confirmed that it is going to recognise CE marking for an extra 12 months (until 1 January 2022) following the end of the transition period, whether there is a trade deal or not. This effectively reinstates what was planned initially had they not withdrawn the original 'No Deal Technical Notice' in February. Please find below the latest information issued from the UK government on the UK Conformity Assessed marking (UKCA) and placing manufactured goods onto the market from 1 January 2021: • Placing manufactured goods on the market in Great Britain from 1 January 2021 • Using the UKCA mark from 1 January 2021 • Conformity assessment bodies: change of status from 1 January 2021

By Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation at the British Chambers of Commerce & Chamber Customs The UK left the European Union on 31st January 2020, and the transition period comes to an end in December this year. It is vital that businesses take action now to get ready for a new border operating environment from 1st January 2021. Until the new border operating model was published on 12th July, we could only speculate on how goods would be controlled at our borders once we left the EU. It’s now clear – and the new model brings this into stark reality – that businesses need to prepare for a significantly higher level of customs declarations and associated administration. It candidly states "customs declarations are complicated". Declaration volumes will grow from 55 million now, to almost 300 million next year. The cost to business is estimated at around £7bn per annum, and the customs intermediary market lacks the necessary capacity to deal with the increase. The detail New border procedures for importing and exporting goods to and from the EU will be in place. Traders importing ‘standard goods’ – covering everything from clothes to electronics – will need to prepare for new customs paperwork. You will need to keep specific records of imported goods and you can opt to take up to six months to submit a full customs declarations for goods arriving from the EU. Taxes will need to be paid on all imports, but payments can be deferred for up to six months until July. This will help trader cash flow until the end of 2021, but only if you or your agent have the correct approvals in place to use simplified procedures. Full customs requirements will apply to controlled goods from 1st January 2021 whether they arrive from the EU or elsewhere. Businesses will be able to account for VAT on goods imports using Postponed VAT Accounting from the start of the new year. This means that once the staged introduction period ends, payment of VAT due on imported goods can be delayed until the next VAT return. What does this mean for business? Despite the much needed clarity on customs procedures, and a welcome delay through staged introduction of full customs controls, big challenges remain for most businesses. Declarations volumes will increase, costs will rise, traders need to skill up to deal with new procedures and time is incredibly short. Companies trading across the globe will need to make a choice. Should they take advantage of the staged introduction of measures for EU imports and gain a cashflow advantage through delayed duty and VAT payments? Or, stick with the systems and processes they already know, and use the newly introduced postponed VAT accounting and guarantee free deferment accounts to delay border taxes by up to six months? Whatever you decide, businesses that export and import goods have change coming and it’s inevitable. The wise amongst you will wake up to change and plan your level of readiness. There is much to do and qualified and compliance led customs experts are becoming a rare commodity. Our expert team at Chamber Customs, our international trade training programmes and our overseas connections make us an ideal customs partner. As your business gets ready for the end of the transition period, our customs agents are ready to help you clear your goods at the border. Drop us an email at exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk and arrange a chat. Whether here in the Manchester or across the UK, the Chamber network is here to support you and to help you to trade with confidence; and don’t forget our upcoming webinar next 11th August at 10:00 a.m UK time, where we will have Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation and Chambers Customs providing useful insights on this.

As the UK did not request a further extension to the transition period, the UK is set to leave the EU Customs Union by end of this year. Trade as we knew it will change. The campaign is providing guidelines on the following themes: Travelling to the EU Staying in the UK if you are an EU Citizen Continue living and working in the EU Business that import and export goods For businesses that export and import, some of the changes in terms of completion of customs, safety and security declarations, payment of duties and VAT will be phased out during the first 6 months of 2021, giving companies time to prepare. For more information on the new rules from January 2021, please click here The campaign does not provide guidelines for businesses that export or import services from the EU.

This week, The Guardian publish an article indicating that a documents from HMRC shows how firms in Great Britain will be obliged to complete three types of electronic paperwork when supplying goods to Northern Ireland from January 2021. The Prime Minister insisted that this will not be the case but this new documents clearly indicates that British companies will have to complete three rounds of customs, security and transit forms on all goods, and this will apply whether there is or not a deal in place with the EU, and all suppliers will be subject to this. To read the full article, please click here

UK Border Control Updates This month the government announced the approach to border controls on GB-EU trade in 2021 and it formally notified the EU that it will not accept or seek an extension to the Transition Period. In recognition of the unprecedented impact that coronavirus has had on all aspects of life, border controls are being introduced in stages, to give businesses more time to prepare. The stages are: From January 2021: Traders importing standard goods will need to prepare for basic customs requirements and will have up to six months to complete customs declarations. Tariff payments can be deferred until the customs declaration has been made. Traders moving controlled goods such as tobacco and toxic chemicals will be required to complete a customs declaration. Businesses will also need to consider how they account for VAT on imported goods. There will also be physical checks at the point of destination on all high-risk live animals and a proportion of low-risk live animals. From April 2021: All products of animal origin (POAO) and all regulated plants and plant products will also require pre-notification and the relevant health documentation. From July 2021: Traders moving all goods will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay relevant tariffs. Full Safety and Security declarations will be required, while for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) commodities there will be an increase in physical checks and the taking of samples.

This is one question that some UK companies need to be asking themselves, specially if trading on a DDP Basis with EU customers. Leaving the EU Customs union on the 31st December 2020 without a deal, could mean UK companies would be considered as a 3rd party country and thus may be required to registered for VAT in one of the EU member states and thus appoint a fiscal representative. A recent article from vatupdate.com provides a list of which EU countries have this requirements for Non-EU countries. To check the list, visit their website here

Boosting trade, Jobs and Investment across the UK? As the UK Government has decided to extend their consultation period for their Freeport strategy till the 13th July 2020, GM Chamber is working alongside the Combined Local Authority to provide feedback regarding their proposed model, and so, we also want to hear from our members to help us shape our response. Freeports was a centrepiece for the Prime Minister’s election campaign and is seen as a cornerstone of the Government’s plan to level up opportunity across the country, gearing freeports to be drivers of growth especially in areas of greatest need. There will be 10 freeports that will aim to be hotbeds for innovation, high-quality manufacturing, masters of trans-shipment and warehousing to enable wealth-creating goods and services. But, what are Freeports? Freeports are secure customs zones located at ports where businesses can carry out inside a country’s land border, although subject to different customs rules. They can provide reduced administrative burden and tariff controls, provide relief on duties, and import taxes, ease tax and planning regulations. Freeports could greatly benefit exporters using Freeports as a warehouse/manufacturing facility for products which will be re-exported, and for importers bringing raw materials which are being used to produce a final finished product, duties will be paid only on the final product; or those importers bringing finished goods to be released into the domestic market, will only pay duties once those goods have left the freeport zone, which can help their cash flow. So, what is the UK Government proposing? Based on a wider benchmarking exercise that looked Freeports from across the globe, the UK government is considering an UK Freeport Model which would include multiple customs zones located within or away from a port seeking to maximise flexibility for port operators and businesses, this will be similar to Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Freeports will be designed to enhance trade and attract investment across the UK, boost growth and drive high-skilled jobs, which ultimately should increase innovation and productivity in our port regions, especially those located in deprived areas. What are the key areas from which the UK Government wishes to hear about? · Tariffs and customs · Tax · Planning · Regeneration · Innovation To view the whole proposal, please click here If you wish for your views to be included in the Chamber’s response, please email our Head of International Trade, Susana Córdoba at Susana.cordoba@gmchamber.co.uk no later than the 6th July 2020. They key questions we wish to hear from businesses include: 1) Will reduced declaration requirements for moving goods into a Freeport represent a useful simplification of the administration of customs processes? 2) Do you have any suggestions on how to further simplify the administration of customs processes? 3) What do you see as the advantages and/or disadvantages of an inland Freeport site compared to a Freeport site which is adjacent to a port? 4) If there was a freeport (inland or near by a port) in the North of England, would you consider using it? 5) If you would consider the use of a freeport facility, what would you say would be the impact on your business, costs, and benefits? 6) What operational barriers to efficiency exists in ports that should be addressed through the development of an innovative technology and processes? If you wish to submit your own feedback, you can do it online or Write to: Freeports Team, Area D, Floor 5, Department for International Trade, 3 Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2HP

The Government has announced the UK’s new MFN tariff regime, the UK Global Tariff (UKGT), which will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff on 1 January 2021 at the end of the Transition Period. This new Global Tariff is being tailored to meet the needs of UK businesses and consumers. It will facilitate the import of goods from overseas. It uses a lower tariff that the EU’s Common External Tariff (EU CET) and will be in pounds (£), not euros. It also claims that it will scrap red tape and other unnecessary barriers to trade, reduce cost pressures and increase choice for consumers and back UK industries to compete on the global stage. The British Chambers of Commerce commenting on the publication of the UK Global Tariff that will apply to imported goods from 1 January 2021, BCC director general Adam Marshall said: “The publication of the UK Global Tariff provides welcome clarity for businesses as they prepare for life outside of the EU. “While the new tariff regime will provide the government with some leverage in future trade talks, it also demonstrates the importance of reaching a UK-EU agreement to avoid substantial increases in costs for businesses on both sides of the Channel. “With any tariff changes, there are both winners and losers. Support will be required for the industries, places and people affected by tariff changes at what is already a difficult time.” For more information on the new UKGT, please visit the