Operate after Brexit
Popular topics
Frequently asked questions - search by topic to find solutions to common issues faced by Scottish businesses.
Understanding VAT after Brexit – the rules surrounding VAT have changed. Understand how the new rules affect your business, with country-specific information and situational examples.
Everything you need to know about Rules of Origin – find out how Rules of Origin impact your business and follow a five-step process to make sure you’re following the new regulations.
Transport and logistics – how to ensure your goods get to market and you get the imports your business needs to operate after Brexit.
Key dates for companies to note in 2021 - since a trade deal has been agreed between the UK and the EU, businesses must ensure they are up to date with changing rules and regulations surrounding their business operations.
Guidance for businesses
From recruitment to contract terms, leaving the EU has brought additional business expenses. Financial support is available to help you adapt to changing costs and risks.
You can also search for and filter funding options to help your business operate after Brexit.
Exporting to the EU - New rules for businesses took effect on 1 January 2021 and some of the changes are significant. We’re here to help you continue trading in the new operating environment with advice on exporting and selling online.
Importing from the EU - The withdrawal agreement also changed the way that goods are imported into Great Britain from the EU. Follow our guidance to ensure that you're able to continue importing from Europe now the UK has left the EU.
Trade with Northern Ireland - EU withdrawal has also meant changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. New administrative procedures are now in place, including declaration requirements and conformity assessment processes.
Trade with third countries - EU free trade agreements that offered Scottish businesses preferential terms no longer apply. The UK has agreed continuity agreements with some countries, but not all, so in some cases the levels of coverage will now be different.
Following our exit from the EU, Scottish businesses now need to obtain authorisations from new regulatory bodies in some sectors. This may affect your business, particularly if you need to certify, package and label products for export.
Find guidance on:
Sector-specific changes on the Scottish Enterprise website, including aerospace, construction, food and drink, tourism and more
Sector impact analysis report, commissioned by the Scottish Government
Support for businesses to help them continue to comply with environmental regulations in the context of EU Exit and COVID-19 issues from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
BEIS’s new webinar series features webinars tailored to different sectors, including life sciences, aerospace, construction, consumer goods, metals and other materials, retail, automotive and electronics and materials.
With the end of free movement between the UK and EU, there are new systems in place for recruiting staff from outside the UK. The environment has also changed for UK professionals, who are now subject to third country requirements in host states.
Search and filter all events and webinars on operating after Brexit on the PrepareForBrexit website.
Contact these Brexit helplines to find information and advice on trade, sector or market issues.
The UK Government has also published a full list of business actions and the relevant helplines
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