On 1 January 2021, the EU transition period will end and the UK will leave the EU Single Market and Customs Union. There will be changes to the way in which we trade with the EU and the EU trades with us, as well as changes to the way we do business with Northern Ireland. Businesses need to prepare for these changes.

If you will be exporting to the EU, or sending goods to Northern Ireland, after 31 December 2020, these are the key steps you need to take in preparation:

1. Check that you have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. If you don’t, you’ll need to apply for one.
2. Check the commodity/tariff codes for your products.
3. Know what health certificates your products need.
4. Check your product labelling to make sure it is valid.
5. Decide if you want to make customs declarations yourself or appoint a Customs Intermediary.
6. Ensure your Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) outlining the delivery and shipping responsibilities are correct and up to date.

Further help and guidance:

• AHDB: food, farming and agriculture after EU exit

More from NFUonline:

• Preparing your farming business for the end of the transition period
• Free webinars for traders of plants/plant products between GB and the EU/NI
• Information on moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021
• NFU Talk: Latest podcast episode available now
• A message from the President
• NFU Live: Your guide to the NFU's programme of autumn events
• What the NFU is doing to help members