Extended Brexit deadline: what does this mean for UK manufacturers?

• Posted on Nov 04, 2019

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You will likely be aware of the announcement last week that the EU has adopted a decision to extend the deadline for Brexit to 31 January 2020, meaning that the UK did not leave on Thursday 31 October. The withdrawal can take place earlier – on 1 December 2019 or 1 January 2020, if the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties.

What are the key considerations for UK manufacturers?

CE Marking
Throughout the extension period, the UK will continue to recognise the CE marking which should continue to be affixed to relevant goods for placement on the UK market.

UKCA Mark
As a result of the Brexit extension, the UK Government will not be introducing the UKCA mark on 31 October. During the extension period the UKCA will therefore have no legal status and, where relevant, goods should continue to be CE marked.

Status of Notified Bodies in the EU27
UK Notified Bodies will retain their current status during the extension period. Conformity assessment activity undertaken, and certificates issued by UK Notified Bodies in relation to EU New Approach legislation and CE marking will continue to be recognised by the EU27 throughout this time.

Authorised representatives and responsible persons
UK-based authorised representatives and responsible persons will continue to be recognised by the EU during the extension period.

Distributors and Importers
If you export products from the UK to the EU or EEA, your EU-based distributor will retain its distributor status throughout the extension period. It will only become an importer if the UK leaves the EU without a deal at the end of the extension period.

Guidance
Our existing Goods Regulation Brexit guidance is available at the links below – please note this guidance will only apply in the event of the UK leaving without a deal at the end of the extension period:

•  Placing manufactured goods on the UK market after Brexit – click here
• Placing manufactured goods on the EU market after Brexit – click here
• Conformity assessment bodies: status after Brexit – click here
• Prepare to use the UKCA mark after Brexit – click here

HMRC Funding
HMRC has funding available for customs intermediaries, traders and hauliers who complete, or intend to complete, customs declarations following the UK’s exit from the EU. The funding can be used to upskill employees, make IT improvements or hire new employees to manage customs declarations and processes.

The application window is currently open and will close on 31 January 2020, or earlier once all funding is allocated, so businesses are encouraged to apply early.

For more information on HMRC funding, please call +44(0)28 9041 5471

HMRC Helpline
HMRC has launched the EU Exit Import and Export Trader Helpline for traders and hauliers importing from/exporting to the EU after Brexit.
The helpline number is 0300 3301 331. Lines are open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Government Brexit Helpline

The Business Brexit helpline provides free advice on where businesses can find information and guidance to prepare for Brexit. The helpline number is 0300 2000 900. Lines are open from 8am to 6pm.

General Election

The election legislation voted for by MPs has now received Royal Assent. This means the GE is official – the date written into law that the next GE will be brought forward to 12 December 2019. On 6 November 2019, parliament will be officially dissolved shortly after midnight and suspended from the start of the following day.

This also marks the beginning of “purdah” – the pre-election period during which there are restrictions on what civil servants are allowed to do. During this time the governing party should not make any long-term plans or policy decisions for the country unless deemed necessary.