Another 172 days and then the Brexit will be a fact. It is up to transport entrepreneurs to make the right preparations in case they can no longer do business with the UK on 30 March. Dutch Customs advises that.
On 29 March, the UK will leave the European Union. The question is whether an agreement on the future relationship between the British and Brussels will be reached before then. If they do, a transition period will come into effect, with the UK no longer subject to European law from 1 January 2021.
No deal, no transition period
This transition period will expire if London and Brussels fail to reach an agreement. European legislation will then immediately cease to apply to Britain. In that case, for example, customs controls will be introduced.
Consequences for SMEs
This could lead to serious financial consequences, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, Customs warns. Over 35,000 entrepreneurs who previously only did business within the EU will then come into contact with Customs for the first time. A big problem, as almost 80 per cent of Dutch entrepreneurs are not yet properly prepared for the Brexit
'Report to customs'
Nanette van Schelven, general director of Dutch Customs, calls on entrepreneurs to report to customs as soon as possible. They should apply for an EORI number. In addition, the Brexit Impact Scan is advised. This scan maps the personal situation of entrepreneurs and indicates which Customs preparations and certificates are needed
Van Schelven: "If you don't have all the documents in order, then you will stand still at the border. This could already be the case on 30 March 2019. To avoid this, it is important to start preparing for Customs now."
