The Government has issued guidance for EU haulage companies operating between the UK and the EU. Action required and what to expect on day one of a ‘no deal’ scenario.
Currently, UK commercial drivers carrying out international journeys must have a standard international operator’s licence along with a community licence for journeys to, from or through the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).
From 29 March 2019, if there is no EU exit deal, the Government says that the EU and EEA countries may not recognise UK issued community licences.
In case of no deal, transport managers may wish to apply for ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport) international haulage permits for 2019, enabling them to drive in the EU and EEA.
To apply, you need to be registered via the Vehicle Operator Licensing System (VOL) by Monday 12 November 2018.
Other things you can do now, to prepare your business in the event of a ‘no deal’ exit include:
- consider any changes you may need to make if you have to follow the same or similar processes to carry goods between the UK and the EU as you do with the rest of the world
- assess the impact of an increased demand for safety and security and customs declarations on your business, and consider recruiting and training additional staff
- consider how changes to transit systems may affect how you move goods
- register for HMRC’s EU Exit update service on GOV.UK. Search for ‘HMRC videos, webinars and email alerts’, click to register to get business help and education emails, enter your email and select ‘EU Exit’
- consider checking with your customers that they are aware of the potential changes and how these may impact their business, and suggest they also register for HMRC’s EU Exit update service on GOV.UK.
For further information about what commercial drivers may need to do to drive in the EU and EEA when the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019, visit the GOV.UK ‘Guidance: Prepare to drive in the EU after Brexit’.
Beavis Morgan – Advisers to UK SMEs
In order to survive and thrive in this challenging environment, UK SMEs should review their business strategies and put in place plans to enable them to adapt quickly to the changing economic and operating conditions.
As well as keeping abreast of government announcements relevant to your sector and planning ahead by implementing procedures such as the ones outlined within this briefing note, business owners and managers must be aware of income and expenditure by keeping proper records and monitoring trends and patterns. Profit and loss accounts will help you understand how your business is progressing, as well as alert you to any potential issues which might arise, giving you ample warning to rectify the problems or make the necessary adjustments to keep your business on track and successful.
At Beavis Morgan, our specialists to SMEs are available to provide general business advice and to structure your business for tax. We can also assist with business plans and strategy execution, long and short term forecasts, budgets, sensitivity analysis, and calculating and checking compliance with covenants.
Contact Steve Govey or your usual Beavis Morgan Partner for further information about how we can assist you and your business.
Read more: 5 key factors to successful strategic planning and execution ahead of Brexit