As a result of the GCA’s links with Government, greeting card publishers, retailers and trade suppliers are being invited to be part of the consultative process on the tariff regime that will come into force at the start of next year as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
“While there are still many more questions than answers as to what is likely to happen on the tariff front, of products and raw materials either leaving the UK or entering it, at least the Government is asking for input as to the concerns and considerations from those in our sector,” commented Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA.
This is the second time the GCA has been asked to input into the Brexit negotiations. Last September Amanda joined executives from other business leaders at a special Brexit Business Forum organised by the government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). https://www.pgbuzz.net/mp-michael-gove-responds-to-gcas-concerns-over-potential-tariffs-post-brexit/
The Government recently launched a four-week public consultation, asking businesses (including those in the card sector) for specific feedback on individual products or commodity codes and the importance of relevant tariffs.
The bespoke UK tariff regime will enter into force on 1 January 2021 and replace the EU’s Common External Tariff. To take part in the consultation and have a say on the new UK Global Tariff, visit GOV.UK. This consultation closes on 5 March 2020.
It was only recently (February 10) that the government confirmed the plans to introduce import controls on EU goods at the border after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.
Michael Gove, The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “The UK will be outside the single market and outside the customs union, so we will have to be ready for the customs procedures and regulatory checks that will inevitably follow.
As a result of that we will be in a stronger position, not just to make sure that our economy succeeds outside the European Union but that we are in a position to take advantage of new trading relationships with the rest of the world.”
The GCA receives regular updates from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy during the transition period up until the UK’s departure from the EU in January:
This link provides a list of actions business can undertake now, and the opportunity to sign up to email alerts about the transition period.
The Department for International Trade has launched ‘Check How to Export Goods’, a new digital tool to help UK businesses trade with over 160 countries. The free tool provides product-specific and country-specific information on tariffs, regulations, the UK border and other topics.
Top: The Government is working on the new tariff regime.
