EU BUSINESSES

Prepare your business for Brexit

What your business needs to know

The UK is leaving the EU. This leaflet is designed
to help EU businesses understand what steps
they may need to take to continue trading with
the UK after that happens. Make sure you stay
up to date, and check your country’s own
guidance to find out more information.

If you buy from or sell to the UK
Rules are changing so make sure you talk to
your trading partner in the UK and have the
correct paperwork for the type of goods you are
trading with the UK.

Check if you need to pay VAT when trading to the UK.
For more information, visit
gov.uk/brexit-eu-traders

If you transfer personal data to the UK

In the event that the UK leaves the EU without
a deal, personal data will continue to flow freely
from the UK to the EU/EEA, and the UK will keep
this under review.

However, your business may need to make some
changes to the way you share personal data with
businesses in the UK.
Search ‘no-deal data transfers’ at edpb.europa.eu for more information.

If you provide services in the UK

Your business might be affected if the UK leaves
the EU without a deal. There may be new rules
you need to comply with if:
› you have branches or subsidiaries in the UK
› your business is part of a service sector within
› you’re planning a merger with a UK company
› you or your employees travel to the UK for
› you or your employees provide services in a
Search ‘qualified professional after Brexit’ at
GOV.UK to check the regulations for the UK,
including visa requirements, and understand
how changes could affect your business.

If you sell manufactured goods

There may be new rules you need to comply with:
Check what you need to do to continue exporting
manufactured goods to the UK market including
regulatory requirements on labelling, approvals
and testing.

Search ‘regulation of manufactured goods’
at GOV.UK to find out more.

If you export food or drink or agricultural products to the UK

Your business may need to:
Check the requirements for export of food, drink
or agricultural products to the UK from the EU.

Check what documents, licences and certificates
are required for the goods you export from the EU
into the UK and how to apply for them.

Pre-notify the UK authorities about the goods you
export from the EU into the UK border at least 24
hours prior to arrival.

Check what more you need to do by searching
‘food and drink no deal’ at GOV.UK.

If you employ UK nationals

Check UK employees, who require a professional
qualification to practise in the EU, have had their
qualification recognised by the relevant EU regulator.

Check the arrangements for UK nationals with the
immigration authorities in your country.

If you send workers to the UK

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their families will
still be able to move to the UK as they do now.

If they wish to stay after 31 December 2020:
They will have to apply for European temporary
leave to remain if UK leaves the EU without
a deal.

They will be able to apply to the EU Settlement
Scheme if UK leaves the EU with a deal and
they move to UK during the implementation
period.

ADDITIONAL HELP AND SUPPORT

Invest in Britain

The UK is one of the leading business locations in
the world and remains the number one destination
for foreign direct investment in Europe. The
Department for International Trade has a global team
of experienced advisors who will help you assess
UK market opportunities; introduce you to the right
contacts; and give advice on visas, recruitment, tax,
business banking, and more.

To access the advice you need to set up
and expand your business in the UK visit
invest.great.gov.uk.
Prepare for Brexit at gov.uk/brexit