Instruction on UK Pack

About this partnership pack

This pack provides a high-level guide to processes and procedures that are likely to apply to cross-border activity between the UK and the EU in a ‘no deal’ scenario.

We do not want or expect a ‘no deal’ scenario. It is, however, the duty of a responsible government to continue to prepare for a range of potential outcomes, including the unlikely event of ‘no deal’.

We have now published 106 specific technical notices to help businesses, citizens and consumers to prepare for March 2019 in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario. These are available on GOV.UK in a centralised location that is easy for people to access and use.

Extensive preparation under way

Extensive work to prepare for a ‘no deal’ scenario has been underway for almost 2 years and we are taking necessary steps to ensure the country continues to operate smoothly from the day we leave.

Our objective is to minimise disruption by taking unilateral action to prioritise continuity and stability. Stability in a ‘no deal’ scenario partly depends on the EU taking a similar, non-disruptive, approach to planning.

Choosing to maintain continuity would not stop us from taking advantage of the opportunities presented by our exit from the EU over time, but we would do so in an orderly way.

We expect that our ‘no deal’ plans will not be required, but will prepare responsibly to ensure the smoothest exit in all outcomes.

The government will work closely with industry to ensure that cross-border activity continues to be conducted in a way that minimises delays and additional burdens for legitimate trade while robustly ensuring compliance. The continuity approach does not mean that everything will stay the same, but the priority is maximising stability at the point of departure through the government’s action.

Upholding the Belfast Agreement

The UK government is clear that in a ‘no deal’ scenario we must respect our unique relationship with Ireland, with whom we share a land border and are co-signatories to the Belfast Agreement.

The UK government has consistently placed upholding the Agreement and its successors at the heart of our approach.

It enshrines the consent principle on which Northern Ireland’s constitutional status rests. We recognise the basis it has provided for the deep economic and social cooperation on the island of Ireland. This includes north-south cooperation between Northern Ireland and Ireland, which we’re committed to protecting in line with the letter and spirit of Strand 2 of the Agreement.

The Irish Government has indicated it would need to discuss arrangements in the event of ‘no deal’ with the European Commission and EU member states. The UK would stand ready in this scenario to engage constructively to meet our commitments and act in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, recognising the very significant challenges that the lack of a UK-EU legal agreement would pose in this unique and highly sensitive context.

It remains, though, the responsibility of the UK government, as the sovereign government in Northern Ireland, to continue preparations for the full range of potential outcomes, including ‘no deal’. As we do, and as decisions are made, we’ll take full account of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.

Working in partnership with you

As intermediaries and trade bodies who work with UK businesses, the role that you can play in helping the government reach out to businesses and individuals is crucial.

You understand the customers, members and clients that you represent and you can provide insight, knowledge and channels to improve how many businesses receive these messages and how well they respond to them.

This partnership pack will help you support businesses and individuals to prepare if we exit the EU without a deal.

It explains:

• how trade, processes and regulations at the UK border will change after 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020)
• what traders, businesses and individuals operating at the UK border will need to do from 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020)

You can use it for your own contingency planning and to help your customers, members and cllients to:

• think about how they will need to adapt their activities to comply with new systems, processes and controls
• assess the impact of any changes on their business
• consider whether they need to recruit and train additional staff
• stay up-to-date with these changes by registering for email alerts. Follow the link, add your email address, select ‘Submit’, select ‘Add subscription’ and choose ‘EU Exit’ then select ‘Submit’.

We look forward to working with you and getting your feedback on what you think customers need.

Where to go for more information

Information on how to trade with countries outside of the EU (including details on customs procedures, excise rules and VAT) is on GOV.UK.

For information about starting to import, go to GOV.UK, then select ‘Importing from non-EU countries’.

For information about starting to export, go to GOV.UK, then select ‘Export goods outside the EU’.

You can read general information about EU Exit, including the Article 50 process, negotiations, and announcements about policy changes as a result of EU Exit.

All technical notices are published on GOV.UK.

You can also find information about technical notices and other resources in this partnership pack