Key Brexit deadlines fast approaching
A number of key deadlines relating to the end of the Brexit transition period and the UK 's departure from the EU are fast approaching.
Applications for HMRC 's SME Brexit Support Fund will close on the 30 June.
Under the scheme, eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to £2,000 which they can put towards the costs of training or professional advice to help them adapt to the new trade rules with the EU.
The scheme is only open to businesses that are new to importing or exporting meaning that traders that already import or export goods to countries outside the EU will not be eligible to apply.
Another upcoming deadline that traders need to be aware of is the filing deadline for submitting delayed import declarations on EU imports that arrived in Great Britain after 31 December.
To help give businesses more time to adjust to the new trading requirements, the government is giving businesses the option to delay their declarations on (non-controlled) goods arriving from the EU.
Firms that opt to delay their declarations are required to send HMRC the full information about their goods within 175 days of them arriving.
If your business imported goods from the EU on the 1 January this year, then you have until the 25 June 2021 to send a supplementary declaration to HMRC.
EU nationals residing in the UK also have until the end of this month to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Those living in the UK by the 31 December 2020, are eligible to apply, and will need to do so to ensure that they can continue to live and work in the UK beyond the 30 June 2021.
Daniel Clarke, policy manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The SME Brexit Support fund is a welcome source of funding for smaller businesses that are new to importing and exporting as they try to get to grips with the new requirements for trading with the EU.
“Businesses should be aware that whilst the deadline for the scheme is the 30 June, it may close earlier if all of the funding has been allocated and I would therefore encourage firms to get their applications in as soon as possible.
“With the six-month grace period for submitting delayed import declarations also drawing to a close for those traders that imported goods from the EU in January and February, it is important that firms understand their responsibilities and take the appropriate action to ensure they are ready to declare their goods before the deadline.
“Our documentation team can support you with any queries you may have and we also deliver a customs declaration service for UK importers and exporters, providing you with the necessary paperwork to clear your goods. ”
Click here for further information on the EU Settlement Scheme and how to apply.
Click here for further details on the SME Brexit Support Fund
Click here for further guidance on delaying import declarations
Click here to find out more about the GBCC 's Customs Declaration Service.