There is now a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements.

Businesses are encouraged to prepare for the new arrangements for trading with the EU in January 2021.

Steps you can take to ensure your business is prepared are as follows:

1. Speak to your local chamber of commerce, they are experienced in International trade and can help guide you
2. Register here for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, you need this to Import and Export
3. Check the terms of your existing contracts with your customers and suppliers
4. Plan how your business will deal with customs declarations
5. Appoint a customs broker/intermediary to make customs declarations on your behalf
6. Check if customs guarantees and simplified procedures will be helpful for your business and complete the application processes
7. Identify the staff that can be trained on customs and apply for HMRC grant funding
8. Use the guidance available at https://www.gov.uk/transition

You should prepare now and subscribe to email updates about any additional arrangements.