Brexit Transition Toolkit
Expert guidance and support to help Scottish businesses prepare for Brexit
What you can do now
Make Brexit planning part of your overall export plan and integrate it into your operations.
There are a few things you can do now to prepare your business for the UK's departure from the EU.
Call our international helpline
We'll help you better understand, and plan for, the potential implications of Brexit on your business.
Set time aside to explore the wealth of business support available through our global partner networks and contacts.
We'll:
- Ensure you're as Brexit-ready as possible
- Equip you with the know-how to plan for the likely consequences of Brexit
Get answers to your Brexit questions
Following the transition period which ends on 31 December 2020 a wide range of changes are likely to take effect. These are currently being negotiated by the EU and UK Government and may include:
- Employing EU citizens
- Importing, exporting, customs processes and tax
- Changes to business operations in Europe
- Regulations and standards for products and goods
- Transferring personal data with organisations in the EU
- European and domestic funding
- Intellectual property
- Energy and climate
- Accessing public sector contracts
Read general guidance for actions you can take now on GOV.UK
Prepare to export goods from Great Britain to the EU from 1 January 2021
Prepare to import goods from the EU to Great Britain from January 2021
Trade Tariff: look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates
Commodity codes classify goods for import and export so you can:
- Fill in declarations and other paperwork
- Check if there’s duty or VAT to pay
- Find out about duty reliefs
Scottish Enterprise is working with the eight Chambers of Commerce in Scotland who are licensed by HM Government and HMRC to issue export and import-related documentation and services. Providing expert advice and support, they can answer your questions on export and customs documentation, changes to documentation systems and associated process changes brought about by Brexit.
This service is available to all companies, not just members of the Chambers. To access this support, just call your nearest Chamber.
The eight licensed Chambers are:
In readiness for an unexpected increase of over 200 million customs declarations after Brexit, some of these local Chambers of Commerce have launched ChamberCustoms, a customs brokerage service for traders.
ChamberCustoms offering includes:
- Making customs declarations for companies - their HMRC compliant brokerage service will look after the import and export declaration requirements of companies
- Providing specialist customs advisory services - their customs brokerage service will offer a 'one stop shop' with direct links to all sea, air, rail and road ports and terminals in the UK
- Training courses - ChamberCustoms has developed a range of training courses to respond to increasing demand. All courses are eligible for HMRC Customs Intermediary Funding
Further information can be accessed via:
- Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce
- Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce
- Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce
- Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
- Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
- Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce
Access the list of customs agents and fast parcel operators
You can find out how to use a freight forwarder on the British International Freight Association and Institute of Export websites.
If you are planning to manage customs declarations for your business you can view the list of customs training providers who can help.
EU Transition (Brexit) awareness and planning
Until the 31 December 2020 we'll be running a series of EU Transition (Brexit) awareness webinars. Join us to explore various scenarios and get your business ready for Brexit.
We'll cover the implications of Brexit on EU trade, wider implications on international trade, as well as planning and preparation, including:
- Trading with the EU - the key process changes
- Tariffs and rules of origin
- Customs procedures and documentation
- The border operating model and implications for Scottish businesses
- Rest of the world trade
- Sector specific impacts
- What you must do now to prepare
You'll have the opportunity to ask specific questions related to the consequences of Brexit on your business and learn how we can help you make the most of EU market opportunities.
View and book upcoming Brexit virtual events and webinars
Selling into the EU
There are 500 million potential consumers of your products and services in the EU. Plus, 46% of all international exports from Scotland go to countries in the EU market (worth £16.1 billion).
Scotland's Top 10 Export Destinations include The Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Spain and Italy.
Whatever the outcome of the EU/UK Foreign Trade Agreement negotiations, the markets and customers of the EU will still exist. As will demand for Scottish products and services. Ultimately, it will be the terms of trade which will differ.
Remember trade agreements with non-EU countries may change. Check changes to trading with developing countries currently benefitting from the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences.
Financial support and advice is available to help small to medium enterprises in Scotland to prepare for Brexit.
Finance options for your business
Read Scottish Enterprise’s series of guides covering different funding options and how to become investor-ready
For expert support, get in touch with a Financial Readiness specialist
Explore the British Business Bank’s Finance Hub and search for financial options and regional support
UK Export Finance – the UK’s export credit agency – supports UK exporters across a wide range of sectors. Using a wide range of services, including letters of guarantee, performance bonds and insurance policies, they can:
- Help exporters win contracts
- Help exporters fulfil contracts
- Help exporters get paid
Recruitment, training and IT grants
Does your business complete customs declarations?
You can apply for grants for recruitment, training and IT improvements.
Export Licenses
Goods that you export may be subject to export control. Check the Control List and GoodsChecker Tool via SPIRE, and if appropriate register for an export license to export dual-use items to the EU.
Read guidance for exporting controlled goods from 1 January 2021.
Certification Marks
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that will be used for goods being placed on the market in the UK. It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
Read guidance on using the UKCA mark from 1st January 2021.
If your business currently holds an EU trade mark, find out what you need to do before 1st January 2021.
Not yet selling into the EU?
If you're already running a successful business in Scotland, why not build on that success in the world's largest single market, the EU. First you'll need an export plan.
Find guidance on how to prepare an export plan on the Scottish Enterprise website
Expanding your business in Europe
Already an ambitious Scottish export business? Looking to expand your operations in European markets?
Find guidance on export opportunities on the Scottish Enterprise website
These guides will deepen your understanding of your target market and connect you with potential buyers, agents and business partners.
Reach international customers online
More and more companies in Scotland are selling online to international markets as a key element of their export plan.
Save time, money and effort by getting in touch with our dedicated market research team. We can help you delve deeper into EU market trends, customer behaviour and competitor activity.
Read our tips for international market research
Free research within five days
We can provide a range of support to help you identify the right market opportunity for your product or service, including:
- Market guides and webinars
- Global market intelligence
- Competitor insights
- Credit rating checks
- Industry trends and forecasts
- Consumer demographics
- Supplier databases
- Live opportunities
- Finding the right partners and contacts
Get help from our market research team
Other free resources to research export markets include:
Want to find out if there's demand for your product or service in the EU?
- Register for our free business webinars providing insights on key topics and opportunities to grow your business in the EU and internationally. Watch live or playback.
- Find EU opportunities on the Exporting is GREAT website. You can filter and apply for opportunities by country on our partner's dedicated website. You can also sign up for tailored email alerts.
- Find international partners via the Enterprise Europe Network. Search for partners to manufacture, distribute co-develop and supply your products.
Throughout the year SDI and our partners run virtual trade visits on key markets around the world. It's your chance to understand more about potential market opportunities and identify opportunities for your business. Plus, you'll get the opportunity to meet potential customers virtually.
- Scottish Enterprise virtual international market events
- Scottish Chamber of Commerce – Export Hub Scotland
We can help your company to identify potential partners/customers in your chosen market via our partner and international networks, including:
- Scottish Development International
- Department for International Trade
- Enterprise Europe Network Scotland
- GlobalScot
- Scottish Chambers of Commerce
To help you prepare for a virtual market visit we recommend you:
The Institute of Export & International Trade provides a series of free downloadable 'Doing Business Guides' on key EU and international markets. Each is packed with expert advice and insight on the best opportunities and how to approach that market, along with useful contacts for additional help and support.
Access the 'Doing Business Guide' directory
Download their free 'Doing Business Guides' app today:
For companies looking for help with export opportunities and preparing to do business in new markets, access the DIT market guides.
