Countdown To Brexit: Importers, Exporters, Customs And VAT | Is it really only 5 days until we leave? |
 POSTED BY ROGER EDDOWES ON 25/03/2019 @ 8:00AM
The United Kingdom is supposed to leave the European Union on Friday 29th March. The date may shift, but the challenges still remain ...
Brexit will have a dramatic effect on customs, duties and VAT for United Kingdom based businesses! copyright: egal / 123rf
HMRC has released guidance for a no-deal Brexit. Yes, the Government want to make the transition from EU member to 'third country' as easy as possible, so businesses need to act now. If you are an importer or exporter, the biggest change for you in the event of a no-deal Brexit is that the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the EU's Customs Union.
"This will affect your VAT considerably!"
If you're sourcing goods from the EU, there will be more paperwork to complete and more checks at the border. There may also be increased customs duties and your VAT cashflow will be affected when you have to pay VAT and duties on entry rather than through your normal quarterly return.
The Government has introduced two measures to help reduce the impact of this change:
Firstly, it has introduced 'postponed accounting' where importers can account for VAT on imports on their VAT return rather than paying it at the border. Secondly, imports from 'trusted' importers will be fast-tracked. If you're trusted, then you have proved your probity by becoming an Authories Economic Operator (AEO). This is the gold standard to ensure customs controls are efficient and comply with all the rules.
The Government has also supplemented its new draft customs rules with a transitional simplified procedures regime which is designed to ease the burdens on importers as they ready the new customs processes. If you apply and are accepted, you can clear customs inland and post-import.
"What about leaving the EU's VAT Union?"
Our domestic VAT laws are linked with our membership of the European Union. Some aspects of UK VAT law will be straightforward to untangle, however, a number of areas will have a real impact on your VAT bill.
UK based financial services companies will see radical policy changes to their VAT recovery although it has been suggested they will see an improvement in their VAT position if we leave on no-deal as they can reclaim VAT on exempt transactions within the EU.
UK businesses trading within the EU may need to appoint a representative in the EU to file VAT returns and for paying or reclaiming EU based VAT.
"What should I do now?"
If you are trading goods with EU countries and do not have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, get your application in as soon as possible and consider applying for AEO status. You can then choose which of the fast-tracks regimes you want to apply for.
And if you recover VAT from EU countries, you should make your 2018 claims before 29th March to avoid this VAT suddenly becoming a cost. Any claims made after the 29th (or whatever date we leave with a no-deal on) will need to be made via an EU representative, as discussed above.
And finally, if you charge EU VAT to customers using the Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) system should transfer to a non-EU business scheme as soon as possible, registering for one in a European Union member country.
"Would you like to know more?"
Whether we are leaving on 29th March or on another date in the near future, Brexit will affect how goods are cleared for customs, what duties are due and what VAT importers and exporters will pay. If you'd like to find out more then do give me a call on 01908 774320 or click here to ping me an email and let's see how I can help you.
Until next time ... 
ROGER EDDOWES
Business Godparent
More about Roger Eddowes ... |  | Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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