Brexit Transition Toolkit
Guidance and support to help Scottish businesses operate after EU exit
New rules for businesses began on 1 January 2021 following the end of the EU transition period. You should act now to prepare your organisation for these changes.
The changes are significant and Scottish businesses must ensure that they are ready for the new operating environment. Economic prosperity and jobs remain important aims and familiarity with new processes and actions will now help to drive business success.
Resources to help your business operate after Brexit
- UK guidance on operating after Brexit
- Export goods from the UK: step by step
- Import goods into the UK: step by step
- Moving goods to or from Northern Ireland
- Travelling to the EU
HMRC Guides
What you need to know to send goods out of the UK
What you need to know to bring goods into the UK
Help via Trade Tariff: to look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates
Commodity codes classify goods for import and export so you can:
- Fill in declarations and other paperwork
- Check if there’s duty or VAT to pay
- Find out about duty reliefs
Access the GOV.UK trade tariff checker
If you’re not sure how to classify your goods, check how to find the right commodity code.
The Check How to Export Goods tool provides information for UK exporters about duties, rules of origin and customs procedures for over 160 markets around the world. It also provides detailed information about the UK border. Watch this 60 second walk-through video for how to use it.
The Trade with the UK tool provides information for international businesses exporting goods into the UK about taxes, tariffs, commodity codes and regulations. It also provides information for goods going into Northern Ireland.
Watch this 60 second walkthrough video for how to use this tool
Scottish Enterprise is working with the eight Chambers of Commerce in Scotland who are licensed by HM Government and HMRC to issue export and import-related documentation and services. Providing expert advice and support, they can answer your questions on export and customs documentation, changes to documentation systems and associated process changes brought about by Brexit.
This service is available to all companies, not just members of the Chambers. To access this support, just call your nearest Chamber.
The eight licensed Chambers are:
To help companies deal with the new customs declarations requirements some of the local chambers deliver ChamberCustoms, a customs brokerage service for traders.
The ChamberCustoms offering includes:
- Making customs declarations for companies - their HMRC compliant brokerage service will look after the import and export declaration requirements of companies
- Providing specialist customs advisory services - their customs brokerage service will offer a 'one stop shop' with direct links to all sea, air, rail and road ports and terminals in the UK
- Training courses - ChamberCustoms has developed a range of training courses to respond to increasing demand. All courses are eligible for HMRC Customs Intermediary Funding
Further information can be accessed via:
- Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce
- Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce
- Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce
- Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
- Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
- Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce
Access the list of customs agents and fast parcel operators
You can find out how to use a freight forwarder on the British International Freight Association and Institute of Export websites.
If you are planning to manage customs declarations for your business you can view the list of customs training providers who can help.
Attend free virtual events hosted by ourselves and our partners to get valuable, practical advice on growing your business in international markets and ensuring your business can operate after Brexit.
Choose from a range of sector specific webinars; from food and drink, to life sciences, to automotive, as well as information on customs processes.
Financial support and advice is available to help small to medium enterprises in Scotland to operate after Brexit.
Finance options for your business
Read Scottish Enterprise’s series of guides covering different funding options and how to become investor-ready
For expert support, get in touch with a Financial Readiness specialist
Explore the British Business Bank’s Finance Hub and search for financial options and regional support
UK Export Finance – the UK’s export credit agency – supports UK exporters across a wide range of sectors. Using a wide range of services, including letters of guarantee, performance bonds and insurance policies, they can:
- Help exporters win contracts
- Help exporters fulfil contracts
- Help exporters get paid
Not yet selling into the EU?
If you're already running a successful business in Scotland, why not build on that success in the world's largest single market, the EU. But first, you'll need an export plan.
Find guidance on how to prepare an export plan on the Scottish Enterprise website
Expanding your business in Europe
Already an ambitious Scottish export business? Looking to expand your operations in European markets?
Find guidance on export opportunities on the Scottish Enterprise website
Each international market has its own characteristics, and it’s vital to make sure that your business, services or products are a good match. Our free research, access to opportunities and market guides are here to help you explore new countries and routes to selling internationally.
Reach international customers online
More and more companies in Scotland are selling online to international markets as a key element of their export plan.
Save time, money and effort by getting in touch with our dedicated market research team. We can help you delve deeper into EU market trends, customer behaviour and competitor activity.
Read our tips for international market research
Free research within five days
We can provide a range of support to help you identify the right market opportunity for your product or service, including:
- Market guides and webinars
- Global market intelligence
- Competitor insights
- Credit rating checks
- Industry trends and forecasts
- Consumer demographics
- Supplier databases
- Live opportunities
- Finding the right partners and contacts
Get help from our market research team
Other free resources to research export markets include:
Want to find out if there's demand for your product or service in the EU and internationally?
- Register for our free business webinars providing insights on key topics and opportunities to grow your business in the EU and internationally. Watch live or playback
- Find EU and international opportunities on the Exporting is GREAT website. You can filter and apply for opportunities by country on our partner's dedicated website. You can also sign up for tailored email alerts
- Find international partners via the Enterprise Europe Network. Search for partners to manufacture, distribute co-develop and supply your products
Throughout the year Scottish Development International and our partners run virtual trade visits on key markets around the world. It's your chance to understand more about potential market opportunities and identify opportunities for your business. Plus, you'll get the opportunity to meet potential customers virtually.
- Scottish Enterprise virtual international market events
- Scottish Chamber of Commerce – Export Hub Scotland
We can help your company to identify potential partners/customers in your chosen market via our partner and international networks, including:
- Scottish Enterprise
- Department for International Trade
- Enterprise Europe Network Scotland
- GlobalScot
- Scottish Chambers of Commerce
To help you prepare for a virtual market visit we recommend you:
The Institute of Export & International Trade provides a series of free downloadable 'Doing Business Guides' on key EU and international markets. Each is packed with expert advice and insight on the best opportunities and how to approach that market, along with useful contacts for additional help and support.
Access the 'Doing Business Guide' directory
Download their free 'Doing Business Guides' app today:
For companies looking for help with export opportunities and preparing to do business in new markets, access the DIT market guides.
