Brexit

Additional rules for businesses that import goods from the EU on 1st January 2022

From 1st January 2022 additional rules will come into force for businesses that import goods from the EU, meaning that full Customs Controls will be implemented.

Throughout 2021 importers have been able to delay their customs declarations and account for import VAT based on entries in their records which are later adjusted when the declarations are made (within six months of the goods having arrived in UK). The facility of delaying customs clearance will be removed on 1st January 2022.

New for January 2022:

• Customs Pre-entries.
• Customs Declarations required at point of entry to GB.
• Origin Certificates.
• Examinations of goods based on the documentation provided.
• Vehicle checks cross referencing the vehicle and its load to transport documentation.
• Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).

For information regarding these changes, contact our International Trade Support Officer: Sarah Gaze gazesl@caerphilly.gov.uk.

The UK left the EU with an agreed deal on their future relationship.

The Welsh Government has welcomed the deal, from 1 January 2021, there will be changes that affect us all – from the way we do business to the way we travel. The Council has been taking practical steps and considering mitigations to ensure the continued delivery of services in Caerphilly.

A fundamental difference in our relations with the EU in 2021 as compared to 2020 is that we no longer participate in the free movement of people, goods, services and capital between the UK and the 27 Member States of the EU and consequently, face new barriers to trade in goods and services and to our rights to travel, live and work elsewhere in Europe.

The Welsh Government website provides advice for citizens, organisations and sectors across Wales and is being updated regularly, for more information please visit: https://gov.wales/preparing-wales

EU Settlement Scheme

The deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme has now passed

Wednesday, 30 June 2021, was the deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020.

If you applied for pre-settled or settled status before the deadline, the UK Government have said your rights will be protected until your application is decided. You will be issued with a Certificate of Application which you can use to evidence your rights.

If you were not resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, please visit the link below for further information on the requirements for working or studying in the UK.
The UK’s points-based immigration system: information for EU citizens on GOV.UK.

There is still time: Applying after the deadline

If you were eligible for EUSS but didn’t apply before 30 June and had reasonable grounds for missing the deadline, there is still time for you to make a late application.

There are many different reasons that can be included as reasonable grounds for not applying by the deadline.

You can find guidance on how to apply and examples of reasonable grounds on GOV.UK.  if you have a reason that isn’t listed you can still apply and your reason will be considered. 

Your rights

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and were lawfully resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 your rights will be protected. 
If you are an eligible person who has applied for either pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme and before the 30 June deadline, you will have broadly the same continued entitlements to work, study and access public services and benefits as you did prior to the UK leaving the European Union.
The relevant citizens rights you will remain entitled to:

• Residency - this covers rights to reside, leave and re-enter.
• Rights of workers and self-employed persons - this covers the rights of workers, self-employed persons and frontier workers 
• Mutual recognition of professional qualifications - this covers the right for recognised professional qualifications to continue to be recognised.
• Co-ordination of social security systems - these include benefits, access to education, housing and access to healthcare.

Further information on EU Citizens Rights can be found on the Independent Monitoring Authority’s website.

Further Support

If you or your family need further help, there are a number of organisations in Wales that can provide you with free, independent advice and support.
EU Citizens Immigration contains more information about the services available to you and provides full contact details for several advice organisations, including telephone numbers, for anyone who would like to speak to someone regarding their circumstance.

Employers of EU citizens

A toolkit is available to equip employers with tools and information to support EU citizens and their families about the EU Settlement Scheme.

Travelling abroad

The UK Government has created a Brexit Checker with advice for UK citizens planning to travel to the EU, this includes advice on passports, travel advice and pet travel.

Brexit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Advice for businesses

The Welsh Government is working with businesses and organisations across Wales, to prepare and protect sustainable jobs and growth. The latest information and support can be found at: https://gov.wales/preparing-wales-brexit/business-and-economy