The UK left the EU and the key takeaway is that the UK entered into a transition period ending December 31, 2020. Until that time, EU law will remain in force in the UK. There are no changes to the export licensing framework during this time. According to the U government, “traders in the EU and GB will have to submit customs declarations and be liable to goods’ checks.” They will be implementing import controls to ensure the UK treat all partners equally as we begin to negotiate our own trading arrangements with countries around the world and to collect the right customs, VAT and excise duties. According to The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, “The UK will be outside the single market and outside the customs union, so we will have to be ready for the customs procedures and regulatory checks that will inevitably follow.”
The UK Goods Regulation team informed the trade about regulatory requirements and stated that goods that have already been placed on the UK or EU market by the end of the transition period can continue to circulate freely. Furthermore, the UK will continue to follow the EU evaluation, conformity and marking requirement through the end of the year.
New rules will take effect January 1, 2021. The requirements after the end of the transition period, including labelling requirements, notifications and registrations will depend on the arrangements of the future trade agreement with the EU. For further information, see www.gov.uk/transition or contact us.