The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and entered a transition period which is due to end on 31 December 2020. Once the UK exits the transition period, the UK will leave the EU single market and customs union and new rules will apply in areas including trade in goods and services, immigration, and travel.
Unlike other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU single market rules for goods and agriculture, and will continue to apply rules of the EU’s Union Customs Code, this will mean some changes to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
As we approach the end of the year, and as trade talks between the UK and the EU continue, we will continue to update our Transition Hub to provide information and guidance on what arrangements you could face from January 2021 onwards and the new key terms you need to know. We will also continue to signpost you to other practical information to keep you informed and up to date.
What action can I take now?
The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end in December 2020. Check the new rules from January 2021 and take action now with our links below.
Get your action plan
Answer a few questions for your personalised action list for you and your business from the GOV.UK website
Stay up to
date
Find out what you need to do after December 31 2020 if you travel to Europe for business purposes
Be data
secure
The rules around data transfers between the UK and EU will change in 2021. Find out what this means for your business.
Check the advice for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
Scotland
Find out what you need to consider if your business operates in Scotland.
Wales
The latest news and guidance from the Welsh Government
N. Ireland
Find out what steps you need to take if you are a Northern Ireland business
Get your Imports and Exports in order
If you are a UK based business who imports from, or exports to, Europe you will need to change your procedures and complete additional paperwork after 1 January 2020. Find out more using the options below.
Hear from
the experts
FSB Head of International Affairs James Sibley appeared on the Times Radio show with Digby Jones to talk all things transition.
Importing
Goods
If you import goods from the EU you will need to change your processes from 1 January 2021. Find step by step instructions and prepare your plan now.
Exporting
Goods
The process for exporting goods to the EU will change from 1 January 2021. Find out what actions you need to take in order to start or continue exporting goods to the EU
Living and working in the UK after the transition period
After 31 December 2020 EU citizens and their family members (including non-EU citizens) need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue to live, work and study in the UK. The way you hire from the EU is also changing to a points based immigration scheme. Find out what that means for you and your employees through the links below.
The EU Settlement Scheme
Find out what it is, who needs to apply and how to complete an application.
The
Employers Toolkit
Find template letters, posters and resources to support EU citizens to apply to stay in the UK.
Hear from
the experts
FSB Senior Policy Manager Emelia Quist appeared appeared on the Intelligence Squared podcast to discuss the impact of the new points based immigration system on the UK's businesses
Useful resources
Exporting in
2021
The UK government’s Border Operating Model (BOM) is the plan detailing the processes and systems that will be used at the borders of Great Britain from 1 January 2021.
Take
Action
From green cards to the impact on general insurance, find out what action you can take now to prepare your business’ insurance.
Trade Finance
Guide
Download your free guide to learn about and how to access finance for trade, importing and exporting goods.
How can FSB membership help?
Get the money you’re owed
Take control of your debt with the tools and support you need to get paid. Download free guides, customise template letters and get advice 24/7 from debt recovery specialists.
HR
support
You’ll have on-demand access to guidance from employment solicitors. Ask a question any time with our unlimited use 24/7 advice line, or search our online library of fully customisable employment documents and templates.
We’ve got you covered
From employer’s liability insurance to insuring your exports, our experts at FSB Insurance Service ensure you’ve got the right cover for your business as well as being on hand to answer your questions via their insurance advice line.
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