BPMA Provides Tools and Information for Brexit Readiness
More BPMA members have contacted the Association with queries about Brexit. New resources have been made available to aid their preparations.
With continued concern over Brexit and what it will mean for British businesses, the BPMA has increased its efforts to help member businesses prepare for all eventualities. The Association held another major Brexit Summit on the subject of ‘Preparing the Promotional Merchandise Industry for Brexit’. The event, on 23 October, was held at London’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, as part of the Government’s Get Ready for Brexit campaign.
As the situation on the ground remains extremely fluid, experts were in attendance to provide information for businesses to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. The Summit follows on from the BPMA’s Brexit Summit a Farnborough last year, and is just the latest in a list of initiatives to help BPMA members prepare for the various possible eventualities.
The BPMA website has a section covering Brexit information, including the latest Government information and advice on issues such as:
• Importing and exporting
• Supplying services to the EU
• Your employees
• Using and transferring data
• Accounting and VAT
• Regulation changes
Each area contains detailed information and links to resources that can help businesses with their preparations, as well as downloads and phone numbers for additional information. HMRC has launched the EU Exit Import and Export Trader Helpline for traders and hauliers importing from and exporting to the EU after October 31. The helpline number is 0300 3301 331. Lines will be open from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday.
Regulation changes will also affect businesses. DEFRA has produced guidance on how to comply with the EU’s REACH chemical regulations when you’re using, making, selling or importing chemicals in the EU, and how to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. Trademark law is also an area for consideration. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have produced guidance on changes to trademark law in the event of no-deal from the European Union.
The CE mark will only be accepted for a limited period after Brexit and a new mark, the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) will be used for certain goods being placed on the UK market if there’s a no-deal Brexit. In the majority of cases, businesses will still be able to use the CE marking if they are selling goods on the UK market after the UK leaves the EU. The government will consult and give businesses notice before this period ends. However, in some cases, businesses will need to apply the new UKCA marking to goods being sold in the UK immediately after Brexit.
The BPMA website and BPMA Brexit emails helps businesses keep up to date with changes that they need to be aware of, in what is a fast-developing area. For more information, go to bpma.co.uk. BPMA members can also obtain a £400 discount on a Brexit health check from the Institute of Export.
Contact Daniela Arena on Daniela@bpma.co.uk for more details.
