Brexit: supply and customers
Even if you don't do business with the UK yourself, your suppliers may. Brexit may still have an impact on your business. Identify who your suppliers are, and whether they depend on companies in the United Kingdom to provide their products or services.
This information is based on the agreement between the EU and the UK.
To-do list
Does an important part of your end product come from the UK? Then discuss this with your supplier and investigate what Brexit means for your business.
Consider looking for suppliers within the European Union (EU) if the product or service is essential to your own business.
If your suppliers do not deliver properly, you may need additional legal protection. The EU regulations on applicable law, jurisdiction, or enforcement of a judgment no longer apply to the UK. Consult with your legal adviser on how to deal with this contractually.
Do you purchase a product that is certified (usually provided with a CE mark) by a UK notified body? This certificate is no longer valid within the EU. For more information, see Step 3 of this step-by-step plan (in Dutch).
Brexit affects exports to countries outside the EU (such as Canada, South Korea, Japan, etc.) when you use lower import duties on the basis of a trade agreement. If a large proportion of the components of the product comes from the UK, you no longer have preferential access to this market. As an exporter, you must demonstrate that your product has EU origin when you sell it. More information can be found at Customs. Also read the information on preferential origin and export.
Product import taxes may be higher, due to the changing EU origin situation. This may affect the number of orders you receive. When selling, you as an exporter must be able to prove the EU origin of your product. Read the information on preferential origin.
Include in your analysis whether it becomes more difficult to enforce your rights if your products are not delivered properly. As a result of Brexit, EU regulations on applicable law, jurisdiction or enforcement of a judgment no longer apply to the UK. This is especially important if you are dealing with unpaid bills. Consult with a legal advisor on how to deal with this contractually.
Brexit and preferential origin: avoid paying import duties
Do you trade with the UK and would you rather not pay import duties on your products? Then it is important for you to see how you can make use of the agreements made by the EU and the UK. Read more.
Q&A about the Brexit
There is an extensive Q&A about the Brexit Trade Agreement available on the website of the European Commission. It explains what the new rules mean for different sectors, such as trade in goods, fisheries and road transport. There are nine chapters in total and you can search per sector. At the top you can choose your language. You can find answers to questions such as: What was agreed to facilitate trade in automotive? How does the Agreement contribute to trade and sustainable development? Will air carriers still have the same rights to operate between and within the EU and the UK? Note that this Q&A was published in December 2020 and therefore speaks of a draft agreement.