17 video explainers covering key Brexit topics for small businesses

Posted: Wed 20th Jan 2021
The government has released new videos to explain key elements of Brexit and the actions businesses need to take. To register to view the videos, go here. We've included links to the videos below alongside more government resources and guidance.
For more advice, connections with experts and to ask a question, visit Enterprise Nation's Brexit Advice Service.
Businesses that import and export
Changes to importing and exporting to and from are being introduced in stages. The first stage began on 1 January 2021 and from 1 July 2021 there will be full controls in place for all goods. Watch the video.
Supporting resources:
Get UK customs clearance when exporting goods outside the EU: step by step
Find information about how to move goods from the UK to the rest of the world
A guide to how the border with the European Union will work after the transition period
Apply for grants to help your business with customs declarations
Contact HMRC for guidance and answers to general enquiries on importing and exporting
Placing and selling goods in GB, Northern Ireland and EU
Watch this video to understand how to place 'new approach' goods on the Great Britain, Northern Ireland and EU markets, changes to conformity assessment bodies for new approach goods, and actions you should take to ensure your products are market compliant.
Supporting resources:
Placing manufactured goods on the market in Northern Ireland
Moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK
Businesses hiring overseas staff
Watch this video for advice on employing staff from overseas, what your business needs to do to register as a licensed sponsor to hire eligible people from outside the UK, and the EU Settlement Scheme.
Supporting resources:
Moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland
There are changes for goods movements into Northern Ireland from Great Britain. The Northern Ireland Protocol outlines new administrative processes for traders, including new digital import declaration requirements and digital safety and security information for goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Find out more by watching this video.
Supporting resources:
Movement Assistance Scheme: Get help with moving agrifood goods to Northern Ireland
Moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK
Businesses operating online
Rules relating to online activities in European Economic Area (EEA) countries may newly apply to UK online service providers. Watch this video for information on how to check for any legal requirements in any EEA countries you operate in, and what you need to do if you hold a .eu domain
or want to register one.
Supporting resources:
Trade tariffs
The EU Common External Tariff (CET), no longer applies for UK businesses trading internationally. The UK now has its own tariff schedule, the UK Global Tariff (UKGT). UKGT applies to goods imported into the UK. Watch this video to find out more about the UKGT and where to find information about what tariffs apply to goods you import into the UK.
Supporting resources:
Rules of origin
To access zero tariffs, goods must meet the Rules of Origin requirements and have the right documentation. If not, the exported goods may be subject to EU tariffs. Watch this video to find out more about the types of rules products may need to comply with as well as the documentation required to comply.
Supporting resources:
Import, export and customs for businesses: detailed information
A guide to how the border with the European Union works after the transition period
Contact HMRC for guidance and answers to general enquiries on importing and exporting
Recognition of professional qualifications
The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement includes a route for UK qualifications to be recognised in the EU and vice versa. Until mutual recognition agreements have been put in place, UK-qualified professionals should follow guidance on using their qualifications in an EU member state. You may need to have your UK professional qualification officially recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Watch this video to find out more.
Supporting resources:
Rules for selling services: Recognition of professional qualification
How to get EEA professional qualifications recognised in the UK
Businesses working with intellectual property
This video provides information on changes to UK intellectual property law including exhaustion of intellectual property rights, EU Trade Marks (EUTM) and Registered Community Designs (RCD), changes to EU-UK cross border copyright mechanisms and patents.
Supporting resources:
Exhaustion of IP rights and parallel trade from 1 January 2021
EU trade mark protection and comparable UK trade marks from 1 January 2021
Changes to EU and international designs and trade mark protection from 1 January 2021
Address for service for intellectual property rights from 1 January 2021
REACH chemical regulations
If you sell or distribute chemicals in the UK and the EU, you'll need to follow both UK REACH and EU REACH rules. Watch this video to understand what you need to do to make sure you comply with the chemical regulations from GB and the EU.
Supporting resources:
Businesses shipping waste between GB and EU
If you ship waste out of Great Britain you must comply with EU customs guidelines or waste shipment regulations, otherwise your planned waste shipment could be delayed or stopped. This video provides information on what your business needs to do.
Supporting resources:
Check the list of designated customs offices in EU member states
Custom offices designated for the entry of waste shipments into and their exit from the community
Businesses providing services to EU markets
UK services firms can still access the EU market, including as business travellers, cross-border services suppliers or investors, but there are some restrictions and changes. The changes vary according to the sector and the EU member state. Watch this video to find out more.
Supporting resources:
Selling services to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
Information for UK businesses providing services and travelling for business in the EEA
Guidance for legal professionals on the new rules for legal practice
Guidance for UK auditors and audit firms operating in the European Economic Area
Guidance on the system for recognising EU qualified architects in the UK
Businesses involved in the Horizon 2020 funding service
The UK remains associated with Horizon Europe which gives UK scientists, researchers and businesses access to funding on equivalent terms as organisations in EU countries. Watch this video for more information on arrangements for existing Horizon 2020 award holders and arrangement for applying to Horizon Europe, which will run from 2021-2027.
Supporting resources:
Businesses preparing and auditing financial accounts
There have been changes to the UK's corporate reporting regime which affect a small number of companies. Watch this video to find out more about changes to accounting and auditing.
Supporting resources:
Businesses engaged in emissions trading
A UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) replaced the UK's participation in the EU ETS on 1 January 2021. Watch this video to find out more about the new system and obligations for participants in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for the 2020 compliance year.
Supporting resources:
EU ETS obligations and access to EU registry systems in 2021
Complying with the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) as an aircraft operator
Chemical regulations
This video explains what your business needs to know about the main changes to chemical regulations and actions companies should take.
Supporting resources:
Businesses involved with data
The Brexit deal allows the continued free flow of personal data from the EU/EEA to the UK after the transition period until adequacy decisions come into effect, for up to six months. EU adequacy decisions for the UK would allow for the ongoing free flow of data from the EEA to the UK. Watch this video to find out more about steps your business should take to safeguard against any interruption to the free flow of EU to UK personal data, the legal framework and international data transfers.
Supporting resources:
Actions you need to take regarding data protection and data flows with the EU/EEA
ICO guidance: Data protection after the end of the transition period
ICO: Keep data flowing at the end of the UK's transition out of the EU
Data protection after the transition period for small businesses and organisations
Advice on Brexit and your small business
Access more tips, connect with experts and ask questions in Enterprise Nation's Brexit Advice Service.