‘…the transition period is ending 31 December 2020 and there will be no extension.’
Kicking off the start to the festive season, UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, has updated an ‘urgent message’ to businesses in the chemical sector pressing them to ‘act now to avoid your business operations being interrupted when the transition period ends.’
Listing the ‘top actions’ that chemical sector businesses should take to prepare, the letter states; ‘Check what actions you need to take under UK REACH, EU REACH and other chemical regulations to continue to manufacture and place chemicals on the Great Britain, Northern Ireland and EU markets.’ Businesses are warned ‘Your business may face delay, disruption or administrative costs to trading goods between the UK and EU if you do not comply with chemicals regulations from 1 January 2021.’
Businesses are also urged to check the latest guidance with relation to moving goods into or out of Northern Ireland.
The letter also highlights the need to check if a visa or work permit is required to travel to the EU for work purposes . ‘You may face delays or refusal at border when travelling for business if you do not comply with the immigration requirements of the EU27 if travelling from 1 January 2021.’
A list of webinars that provide more details on the changes for businesses that trade with the EU can be accessed on the Government website.
Concluding the letter Sharma said ‘These are challenging times, but the transition period is ending 31 December 2020 and there will be no extension. Unless you take action now, there is a risk your business operations will be interrupted. The Government will be there to help you take advantage of the many new opportunities that being an independent trading nation will bring.’
Read the Minister’s letter in full.
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