Analysis for supply chain stakeholders
As of 31 January 2020, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) left the European Union (EU) and therefore the EU Single Market and Customs Union. However, as a result of the transition period, the effects of the UK leaving the EU will not be felt until after the end of the transition period which takes place on 31 December 2020.
After the transition period, GB, and not Northern Ireland (“NI”) will impose controls on goods moving from the EU to GB, in a model similar to how it handles Rest of World imported goods. These controls will be introduced in three phases over a six-month period from 1 January 2021.
For movements from GB to EU, full declarations will be required from 1 January 2021 - the approach will not be phased.
As a result, there will be significant changes to the current processes of moving goods between GB and EU. All stakeholders involved in the cross-border movement of goods will need to be aware of the changes, make all necessary decisions and complete all administrative actions at the earliest opportunity to avoid unnecessary disruption. As freight forwarders and customs brokers handle the majority of transport and customs formalities, they will be pivotal in ensuring the seamless flow of goods between the EU and GB from 1 January 2021. We recommend engaging with any customers who might be affected by these changes.
It is clear that many details as to how cross-border trade between the EU and GB/NI will work are not yet available, more detailed guidance for hauliers, freight forwarders and ports/terminals is intended to be provided in the coming months as governments provide further clarity.
Recognising that clarity does not exist for every function or role at this time, this webpage is intended to provide a balanced resource for stakeholders in the supply chain, collating available information, providing answers and guidance to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable there is a smooth transition into 2021. It may be prudent for businesses to seek professional/legal guidance regarding particular aspects of the pending changes in order to fully protect your business.
FAQs

Brexit: guidance for ports and terminals
While not responsible for the arrangement of cross border freight, ports and terminals in both Great Britain (GB) and the European Union (EU) are critical nodes in the international supply chain. Handling the freight at the point of export or import and in some cases becoming the border control post (BCP). The three-phase model to import changes adopted in GB means that while some changes took affect from 1 January 2021, the full range of changes will not come into force until 1 July 2021.

Brexit: guidance for road hauliers
Easy-access information for road hauliers and HVG drivers about preparing for Brexit.

Brexit: guidance for freight forwarders
Find out how freight forwarders and logistics providers can prepare for Brexit.

Brexit: an overview
As we approach the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020, there are a number of changes that will affect the import and export of goods to and from the European Union (EU). These changes will inevitably have an impact on the operations of stakeholders in the supply chain, whether you are a driver, a haulage company, a freight forwarder, a customs intermediary or a port operator.
Downloads and infographics
-
Brexit Act Now - EU to GB (34 KB)
29/09/2020
Download PDF -
Brexit Act Now - GB to EU (33 KB)
29/09/2020
Download PDF -
Outlining the phases of Brexit (41 KB)
29/09/2020
Download PDF -
Incoterms 2020 Infographic (403 KB)
06/12/2019
Download PDF
Useful links
- Border operating model (Annex A – EU Exports, Annex B – EU Imports and EU Ports and Terminals, Annex C – Controlled Goods List)
- UK commodity code listing
- Institute of Export and international trade
- WCO SAFE framework
- UK Government Transition
- UK Government Import Goods to GB
- How to import goods from EU to GB
- Get ready for Brexit - Dutch Ports
- Get ready for Brexit - Dutch Ports FAQs
- Northern Ireland protocol text
- EU SPS Cargo list/checker
- EORI number validator
- EU Customs Tariff
- EC Brexit guidance
- EC customs guide for businesses
- German customs information resource
- UK Government Haulier Handbook
- France - Smart Border Guidance
- Ireland - Automated Import System (AIS)
- Guidance on the use of GB and XI codes
- Border operating model (Annex A – EU Exports, Annex B – EU Imports and EU Ports and Terminals, Annex C – Controlled Goods List)
- UK commodity code listing
- Institute of Export and international trade
- WCO SAFE framework
- RHA – Operator check list
- RHA – Brexit Borders Q&A
- UK government Transition
- UK Government Export Goods to EU
- How to export goods from GB to EU
- Get ready for Brexit Dutch Ports - FAQs
- Northern Ireland protocol text
- Check Requirements for export
- EU SPS Cargo list/checker
- EORI number validator
- EU Customs Tariff
- UK Government Haulier Handbook
- France - Smart Border Guidance
- Ireland - Automated Import System (AIS)
- Guidance on the use of GB and XI codes

Please note
The information contained on this web page has been compiled from various sources, and are not a substitute for professional/legal advice. We do not accept responsibility for loss or damage which may arise from reliance on the information contained herein.
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance in the preparation of this webpage of Mary Prentice, Shoreside Law.