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EU and International update

The CBI has been working hard to help members adjust to the new trading relationship with the EU and keep them up to date with the changes they need to be aware of.

23 Mar 2021, 3 min read

EU

The SME Brexit Support Fund is open

The Government fund can grant SMEs up to £2000 to help businesses with training or professional advice on changes to UK-EU trade, including on customs, software and importing and exporting. Applications are now open and will close on 30 June 2021. Read more for further information on how to apply.

Extension to delayed import controls from the EU

The Government has extended the grace periods for EU imports into Great Britain. The new timelines are:

October 2021: (originally April 2021)

  • Pre-notification requirements for Products of Animal Origin (POAO), certain animal by-products (ABP), and High-Risk Food Not Of Animal Origin (HRFNAO)
  • Export Health Certificate requirements for POAO and certain ABP will come into force on the same date.

January 2022: (originally July 2021)

  • Extending the option for business to use deferred declarations for up to 6 months after the goods have been imported until Jan 2022
  • Safety and Security Declarations
  • Physical SPS checks for POAO, certain ABP, and HRFNAO will not be required until 1 January 2022. At that point, they will take place at Border Control Posts.

March 2022: (originally July 2021)

  • From March 2022, checks at Border Control Posts will take place on live animals and low-risk plants and plant products

Read more for further information.

Rest of the World - three trends to watch

The UK’s Integrated Review: what does it mean for business?

The emphasis on a balanced relationship with China is welcome – and was one of the main CBI asks in the review – as is the emphasis on science and key growth markets. The PM's 16 March statement stressed the UK would ‘work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests, including building a stronger and positive economic relationship’ and announced his visit to India. But the small print of the review takes a tough line on screening foreign investment and CBI will need to keep working on its other main ask – a stronger business voice on foreign policy.

New USTR bringing gifts?

Katherine Tai was confirmed as the new US Trade Representative on 17 March, just two weeks after USTR announced “a four-month suspension of tariffs related to the ongoing large civilian aircraft dispute” with both UK and EU.

UK-Australia FTA will test the UK’s approach to agriculture

The UK and Australia concluded the 4th round of negotiations on 5 March. The looming issue is agriculture, with Australia pushing for a route towards zero tariffs, claiming this aligns with the aspiration in UK Trade and Agriculture's Commission 12 March report “to lower tariffs and quotas to zero where equivalence is demonstrated for these standards.”