EU: Checklist for Brexit Preparation

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.