The EU Transition (Brexit)
Information for residents and businesses on how to prepare for the new rules
The UK has left the EU and the transition period came to end on 31 December. New rules have now come into into effect from 1 January 2021. It is imperative to ensure that your business and personal circumstances are prepared.
If this is the first time you have considered how the changes will affect you, we suggest you start with the Government's simple checker tool. Answer a few questions and you will receive a personalised list of actions.
EU Transition Simple Checker Tool
Page contents
Businesses and employers
Following the agreement between United Kingdom and the European Union there will be no tariffs or quotas on the movement of goods the UK produces between the UK and the EU. This is the first time the EU has agreed a zero tariff zero quota deal with any other trading partner. The Agreement also includes provisions to support trade in services (including financial services and legal services). This will provide many UK service suppliers with legal guarantees that they will not face barriers to trade when selling into the EU and will support the mobility of UK professionals who will continue to do business across the EU.
There are new rules, which all businesses should understand and follow where applicable. Businesses involved in importing or exporting goods with the EU will be particularly affected and should have a plan in place to ensure a smooth transition.
West Berkshire's agricultural businesses and farms should check the latest guidance on moving animals and animal products and importing and exporting plant products.
Advice for local businesses
- Berkshire Business Growth Hub - Providing detailed sector-specific guidance, along with webinars, events and one-to-one advice free for West Berkshire businesses.
- Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce - Providing bespoke advice and webinars for their members.
- West Berkshire Council Business Newsletter - Our regular business bulletin which includes news and updates around Brexit.
Government guidance
- Employing EU citizens - Changes to the immigration system, right to work and settled status.
- EU Settlement Scheme Employer Toolkit - Materials and information to support EU citizens to stay in the UK.
- Energy and climate - Changes to areas such as energy, renewables, the nuclear industry and regulated carbon emissions.
- EU funded programmes - The UK will continue to participate in programmes funded under the current 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) until their closure.
- Health and social care providers - Actions that providers and commissioners of health and social care services should take to prepare for, and manage, the risks of a no-deal exit scenario.
- The Border Operating Model - A guide to the new relationship between GB and EU borders.
- Importing - Changes to importing goods from the EU, including permits, customs, tax and borders.
- Exporting - Changes to exporting goods to the EU, including permits, customs, tax and borders.
- Transporting - Guidance for haulage companies and commerical drivers.
- Intellectual property - Changes to areas such as copyrights, trademarks and patents.
- EU based businesses - Guidance for EU-based businesses who trade with the UK.
- Public sector procurement - Changes to government procurement contracts.
- Placing manufactured goods on the EU market - New rules for placing manufactured goods on the EU market from 1 January 2021.
- Using personal data - Changes to rules for receiving and exchanging personal data with the EU/EEA.
UK nationals visiting, studying, working or living in the EU
If your personal or professional life brings you to EU, then you need to consider the new rules that came into force on 1 January 2021. For a comprehensive overview, please see the Government's Living in Europe guidance.
The following Government links give guidance on specific countries and topics:
- Country by country guidance - If you live in an European country use this tool to check the rules there.
- Visiting Europe - Including passports, driving and travel, EHIC cards, pets and mobile roaming fees.
- Buying things from Europe - Including consumer rights, making payments and package holidays.
- Studying in the EU- Including information for Erasmus students and other options for higher education study abroad.
- Family law - Including divorce and disputes about parental responsibility or child maintenance.
EU residents working or living in the UK
Most EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and their family members who are living in the UK before 1 January 2021 need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021.
No changes will be made to your right to work arrangements before 30 June 2021, but we suggest you apply well in advance of that date.
Guidance on applying for settled status
Assisted Digital Support
If you do not have internet access or the appropriate device or skills to complete the form to apply for settled status, then you can request a phone conversation with an advisor who will help you complete your digital application. This is called Assisted Digital Support.
Request assisted digital support
For regular updates and news on the EU transition, please follow West Berkshire Council's Twitter and Instagram pages which are linked at the bottom of this page and sign up to our Business Newsletter.