Operate after Brexit
Trade and customs: 2021-22 timeline
Trade and customs: 2021-22 timeline
It's vital for businesses to ensure they are up to date with changing rules and regulations surrounding their business operations. Key dates for companies to note in 2021 and 2022 are listed below.
More dates will be added as trade policy develops. For example, potential changes to commodity codes, agreements - if any - between the UK and EU on Mutual Recognition/adequacy and around Trade in Services.
In addition to the impact of the key dates noted below there are impacts that have already arisen as a result of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement for example on Rules of Origin, Bilateral Cumulation and Recognition of Professional Qualifications.
Key dates
REACH: The transfer of UK registrations to the EU must be completed by the end of March 2021. If not, the transfer will be cancelled, and registration revoked resulting in UK registrants no longer being able to legally place substances on the EU market.
Goods of animal or plant origin for human consumption
Businesses moving goods of animal or plant origin for human consumption from the UK to Northern Ireland will be required to provide an Export Health Certificate on goods movements from 1 April 2021.
Imports for products of animal origin will require import pre-notification through IPAFFS and there will be physical checks at the point of destination.
EU Settlement Scheme
The deadline for EU nationals who are already resident in the UK applying to the EU Settlement Scheme is 30 June 2021.
How to apply if you want to settle in the UK and you are resident in the UK - GOV.UK
Data Flows
Unless there is a data adequacy agreement, the UK will become a third country outside of the EU for the purpose of personal data transfers. This will have an impact on UK businesses holding EU personal data.
Find out more on the Information Commissioner's Office website.
€22 Low Value Consignment Relief
This scheme ends on 1 July and from then all imports will be subject to EU VAT.
Introduction of the One-Stop-Shop (‘OSS’) single EU VAT return and withdrawal of Distance Selling thresholds.
Northern Ireland
Waiver declarations end on Chilled Meats moving from GB to NI
New Export Health Certificates from 21 August 2021
The EU is making changes to its laws, which means it is necessary to make updates to Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and Notes for Guidance used to export goods to the EU.
If you are a GB trader, who exports certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin, these changes will affect you.
GB traders exporting their goods to the EU will need to use the new EHCs from 21 August 2021.
Current EHCs signed before 21 August may be used until October for goods en route to the EU. When this new EHC is live in the new EHC online service, more information will be provided.
In the meantime, read GOV.UK information on getting an export health certificate, and use the links down the right hand side of the page linked to view detailed guidance for specific products.
UK Border Operating Model
Phase 2 comes into effect, impacting imports for Products of Animal Origin (POAO), Animal by-Products (ABP) and High Risk Food not of Animal Origin (HRFNAO), including import pre-notification through IPAFFS.
Find out more on the GOV.UK website.
Northern Ireland
The grace period has been moved from 1 April to 1 October 2021 (subject to legal proceedings). If you are an NI business receiving parcels through an express carrier or Royal Mail Group containing prohibited, restricted and business-to-business goods worth more than £135, from 1 October 2021 you must submit a declaration (submission required three months from receiving the goods).
GB suppliers will be required to provide Export Health Certificates for goods sold to supermarkets in Northern Ireland.
REACH chemical regulations
EU held registrations: GB downstream users
UK downstream users (who do not hold an EU REACH registration) currently importing from an EU/EEA country need to ensure the substances they purchase are covered by a valid UK REACH registration. Business will need to take actions to ensure that the chemical is registered for UK REACH purposes and they must notify HSE of their intention to continue importing substances by 27 October 2021.
The one-year transition period for use of CE Marked goods in the UK ends.
Statement of Origin
The grace period for holding a supplier’s declaration at the time of claiming preference ends.
Northern Ireland
End of the 12-month grace period on meeting regulatory requirements for medicines (grace period introduced to avoid any disruption to flow of medicines from GB to NI).
UK Border Operating Model
Phase 3 comes into effect which means:
- Import declarations are required for all imported goods
- Declarations are now required for deferred declarations for imports prior to 30 June
- Businesses who have deferred import declarations will be required to apply for CFSP approval (Customs Freight Simplified Procedures), unless they use the services of an agent
Entry Safety and Security
Declarations are now required for all imported goods.
Checks at UK borders (or designated inland inspection points) will be enforced.
Pre-notification requirements and documentary checks, including phytosanitary certificates will be required for low risk plants and plant products from 1 January.
Physical SPS checks on high risk plants and agri-food and feed (including products of animal origin and high-risk foods not of animal origin) will take place at Border Control Posts, rather than at the place of destination as now from 1 January.
Border Operating Model
Checks at Border Control Posts will take place on live animals and low risk plants and plant products.
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