Export, Import and Transport

Identifying possible challenges, consider different scenarios and prepare a plan of action, review current contracts or enter into new market to deliver products/services overseas to increase market

When the UK leaves the EU there may be changes to UK-EU trade at the border including on customs, tariffs, VAT, safety and security, documentation, vehicle standards, and controlled products. Changes at borders between the UK and the EU could disrupt supply chains, involve potential delays and add an additional administration burden. There will be additional compliance costs if companies have to apply rules of origin and enter customs declarations.

Our current trading and transport relationship with the EU have been governed by a vast number of contracts negotiated with suppliers, local employees, agents and customers. Any change in the trading arrangement including licencing and regulatory changes, could have a knock-on effect on the contracts that underpin them. Companies can start to manage their risks by reviewing their existing contracts and starting to consider future contracts in light of what legal changes Brexit may bring.

Possible Opportunities and Challenges

Customs capability

If you are an importer or exporter you should get a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number so you can continue to import or export goods and apply for authorisations that will make customs processes easier for you. Some SMEs may have to navigate customs rules and procedures for the first time in an area that can be complex and confusing. It is important to firstly understand the impact that customs may have on your business by reviewing supply chain movements to determine which flows of goods will be affected. UK hauliers and drivers should review documentation, registration for trailers and international road haulage permits for movement to minimise potential disruption to business.

Changes in tariffs on trade

Tariff changes with EU countries following Brexit will be dependent on the exact deal negotiated in relation to EU country exports. Businesses should consider the impact of a situation where there is no special agreement with the EU and therefore tariffs between EU-UK are based on the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff. Start planning now by identifying the MFN tariff classifications as well as the HS codes (international classification system) for your products to identify potential impact on your cost base.

Rules of origin in UK-EU trade

Even if the UK has a zero-tariff trade agreement with the EU, businesses will need to prove that their product is of UK origin to benefit from this. This usually means that 50-55% of the product has to be locally sourced or that materials or components sourced from outside of the UK must be sufficiently worked or processed in order to be considered as UK origin. The exact terms of these rules between the UK and the EU are yet to be negotiated. Businesses will need to review their supply chain and manufacturing processes to determine what actions may be needed to establish UK origin. This may include an audit of your suppliers covering where they source their materials. Likewise, as a supplier, you may need to provide your customers in the UK with proof of where you source your content.

Licensing and regulatory changes

Changes to the EU regulatory regime may mean businesses are working across multiple regulatory and licencing frameworks. There is uncertainty as to whether UK regulators will be able to provide licences for the EU market or if notified bodies in the UK can conduct conformity assessment checks on goods destined for the EU market. Businesses will therefore need to consider how to comply with separate regulators in the future and the cost implications of this extra burden. Start by identifying which regulatory agencies you work with, which products and services are subject to regulatory requirements, and what steps you may need to take to comply with separate regulation.

TO DO LIST: Preparing for a possible No Deal    


If you import or export 

If you transfer personal data 

If you provide services or operate in the EU

If you employ EU citizens 

If you sell manufactured goods

If you are involved with intellectual property or copyrights

UK Government’s full list of EU exit information for businesses can be accessed here.        

Overseas Events
Overseas Events

The markets and exhibitions in our programme have been selected to reflect current international developments which present real opportunities for Welsh Businesses.

Export Zone
Export Zone

Businesses that export grow faster, are more profitable and are more likely to stay in business than those that just sell domestically.

Food and Drink
Food and Drink

Food and Drink exporters may face some sector specific issues once we leave the EU. Here you can find more information on available support.

The Development Bank of Wales is a unique lender to businesses in Wales. It has been set up by the Welsh Government to support the economy of Wales by making it easier for businesses to get the finance they need to start up, strengthen and grow.