EU: Checklist for Brexit Preparation

Recommendation

10/11 February 2026
Heidelberg, Germany

Combination Products
Medicinal Products/Drugs meet Medical Devices

The end of the transition period is approaching and no agreement is in sight. Having first published a Communication to prepare for the end of the transition period, the European Commission has now published a respective 'Brexit Readiness Checklist' for companies doing business with the UK. This checklist is designed to help EU companies doing business in the UK (United Kingdom; UK) and/or UK companies doing business in the EU to check exactly how well prepared they are for 1 January 2021.

Some of the key points are:

Companies should familiarise themselves with the obligations of an exporter or importer in relation to trade with third countries.
Accordingly, companies should inform themselves about relevant EU customs formalities.
In future, companies should provide proof of the originating status of goods (this also applies to the corresponding supplier declarations).
Certificates and approvals from a UK authority or body must be transferred to an EU authority/body. New certificates or approvals may have to be applied for. Products certified only by UK-based authorities/bodies may no longer be placed on the EU market.
As EU REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) will no longer apply in the UK, companies must ensure that substances are registered with a manufacturer or importer in the EU.