His comments come as the eighth round of Brexit negotiations resumed in London earlier this month, with Boris Johnson ramping up pressure on trade talks following months of deadlock between negotiators over the terms of the future relationship between the UK and EU once the transitional period ends in December.
Rob has urged businesses to take practical steps to ensure their operations are not disrupted following the deadline, particularly concerning the VAT treatment of goods moving from the EU to the UK. If they have not already done so, businesses should acquire an EORI number, which will be required to move goods between the UK and the EU from January 1st 2021.
Businesses should apply for an EORI number in advance, as it can take up to a week to receive one. Following the end of the transitional period, businesses will need an EORI number that starts with GB to move goods to or from the UK. Those who already have one in place should check that theirs starts with the letters GB.
Another key consideration for businesses is for goods moving from the UK to the EU. In particular, consideration needs to be given to whether the UK business (as the supplier) or the EU business (as the customer) will be responsible for the importation of the goods into the EU, and the payment of any VAT and customs duties that might be due. In some circumstances, the UK business might be required to register for VAT in the EU member state that the goods are being sent to.
