New MOD communications on the end of the Brexit transition period

The UK has left the EU and the transition period ends in fifty days. It is vital that the Defence sector is prepared for the new rules from 1 January 2021, and you should act now to make sure your business is ready. 

If your business is involved in the flow of people, data, goods or services between the UK and the EU, you need to act now and make the necessary changes. Most of these changes will be required regardless of the agreement we reach with the EU on our future relationship, because we will be leaving the single market and customs union. We have included some more information on key actions in these areas below.

If you haven’t done so already, use the simple tool on GOV.UK/transition now to understand the comprehensive changes for your business, and for a personalised summary of the actions you need to take.

You can sign up for sector-specific webinars, view them on demand and watch helpful videos on topics including importing, exporting and the customs clearance process online. Access webinars and videos.  

If you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland the Trader Support Service will guide you through any changes due to the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Find out more or sign up for the Trader Support Service.

Use GOV.UK to identify changes affecting manufactured goods, such as new marking requirements or approvals needed, to ensure your business is ready to sell them in the UK and EU.  

You may not be able to sell your goods in the UK and the EU if you do not comply with the relevant goods regulations and standards from 1 January 2021. 

Different web pages can give you further information, depending on the area your business operates in:

• Placing manufactured goods on the GB market from 1 January 2021  
• Placing manufactured goods on the EU market from 1 January 2021  
• Moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol

Get ready to make customs declarations    

Import and export declarations are complicated, requiring specialist skill, knowledge and IT. If you are not able to make declarations or provide the wrong information, your business could face delays, disruption or administrative costs. Find out more about appointing customs declarations specialists.  

Check the new rules on importing and exporting goods between the EU and Great Britain from 1 January 2021.  Your business could face delays, disruption or administrative costs if you do not comply with new customs procedures from 1 January 2021. Learn more about importing and exporting.

Check if a visa or work permit is required to travel to the EU for work purposes and apply if necessary. You may face delays or refusal at border when travelling for business if you do not comply with the immigration requirements of the EU27 when travelling from 1 January 2021.  Find out more about visas and work permits for the EU.

If you are planning to recruit from overseas from 1 January 2021, you will need to register as a licensed visa sponsor. You may not be able to legally hire people from outside the UK if you do not have a license. New employees from outside the UK will also need to meet new job, salary and language requirements. Irish citizens and those eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme are not affected. Find out more about hiring from the EU.  

The actions outlined in this letter are some of the key areas of change after 31 December 2020, however, it doesn’t cover everything. There is additional guidance for businesses online. Please visit GOV.UK/transition to find out more. 

With just fifty days to go you should act now to prepare for the changes from 1 January 2021.