The Government has “urged” businesses to prepare for the end of the Brexit transitional period by taking part in a range of free webinars this month.
The warning comes just 81 days ahead of the end of the transition period, after which the UK will be free to implement its own customs and immigration regimes.
According to the report, the Business Secretary Alok Sharma will write to over 600,000 firms across the UK this week to urge them to prepare for the UK’s “new start” on 01 January 2021.
The letter will call on businesses to “familiarise themselves” with the actions they need to take, such as:
- Hiring or training a customs intermediary to complete and submit declarations
- Applying for a duty deferment account, enabling duties to be paid once a month rather than on individual consignments
- Preparing to pay or account for VAT on imported goods
- Ensuring you have International Driving Permits, and
- Applying for a GB Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
To help businesses get up to speed, a series of free, sector-specific webinars will be hosted throughout the month of October. The first of these is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday for services and investment, followed by:
- Retail – 14 October
- Automotive – 14 October
- Metals and Materials – 20 October
- Electronics and machinery – 21 October
- Consumer Goods – 22 October
- Life Sciences – 27 October
- Construction – 28 October
- Aerospace – 29 October
Commenting on the webinars, Mr Sharma said: “With just 81 days until the end of the transition period, businesses must act now to ensure they are ready for the UK’s new start come January. There will be no extension to the transition period, so there is no time to waste.
“I urge all businesses across the country to check gov.uk to see what action they need to take, sign up for updates, or attend one of our sector-specific webinars.
“Businesses have a crucial role to play in ensuring a smooth transition, and we will be there to support them through this change every step of the way.”
To find out more about the webinars and to register your interest, please click here.
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