Business Secretary advises on action after EU deal reached

Business Secretary Alok Sharma MP has advised businesses to check what actions to take after the UK has agreed a deal with the EU following Brexit.

While the deal secures the UK tariff-free access to EU markets, businesses should still check what you need to do to allow your business operations to run smoothly. New rules came into effect from 11pm on New Year’s Eve, with businesses urged to take action as soon as possible in 2021.

In an email bulletin, Alok Sharma said:

I am delighted that we have agreed a deal with the European Union and I am confident that the United Kingdom will thrive outside the EU and cement its position as the best place in the world to start, grow and run a business.

“The deal with the EU means the UK can now regulate in a manner that suits the UK economy and UK businesses – doing things in a more innovative and effective way, without being bound by EU rules.

“As with any major change, there will be challenges as we adjust to new ways of doing business with the EU. Government will be there to support you to adapt and to capitalise on the opportunities created by this deal.”

The Business Secretary also advised three ways in which businesses can access up to date information to react to the UK’s new relationship with the European Union:

Transition checker tool

The Government has produced a transition checker tool that can provide businesses affected by Brexit with a personalised summary of actions they will need to take to comply with new rules. There are likely to be actions taken for any business which imports or exports goods to the EU, or moves goods through Northern Ireland.

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With negotiations as to the future trading relationship between the UK and EU still underway, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will share the latest developments in a weekly email bulletin. Subscribe here.

Northern Ireland Protocol Guidance

Under the agreement with the EU, new rules also apply to businesses operating across the Irish Sea. Businesses moving goods from Great Britain into, out of or through Northern Ireland should also check the latest guidance on the agreement’s Northern Ireland Protocol.