The UK may be leaving the EU on 29 March 2019. Leaving the EU with a deal remains the Government’s top priority, however, the government and businesses should continue to plan for every possible outcome including no deal.

In December HMRC wrote to VAT-registered businesses that trade only with the EU advising them to take 3 actions to prepare for a no deal EU Exit, including registering for an UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

Business that only trade with the EU will need an EORI number:

• to continue to import or export goods with the EU after 29 March 2019, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal; and
• before they can apply for authorisations that will make customs processes easier.

We are writing to ask for your support in encouraging your members and clients that have yet to register for an EORI number to do so. Businesses can register for an EORI number at www.gov.uk/hmrc/get-eori.

In the coming weeks, HMRC and wider government communications activity will continue to encourage businesses to take action to prepare for leaving the EU, including registering for an EORI number.

If you would like more information then please get in touch with The Giftware Association at enquiries@ga-uk.org