The EU Transition (Brexit)

Information for residents and businesses on the changes associated with Brexit

The UK has left the EU and the transition period came to an end on 31 December. New rules came into effect from 1 January 2021. It is important to make sure that your business and personal circumstances follow the guidelines for the new rules.

If you are unsure whether you have followed all the guidelines, please see the Brexit guidance pages on the GOV.UK website.

On this page:

Businesses and employers

Following the agreement between United Kingdom and the European Union, there will be no tariffs or quotas on the movement of goods the UK produces between the UK and the EU. This is the first time the EU has agreed a zero tariff zero quota deal with any other trading partner. The Agreement also includes provisions to support trade in services (including financial services and legal services). This will provide many UK service suppliers with legal guarantees that they will not face barriers to trade when selling into the EU. It will also support the mobility of UK professionals who will continue to do business across the EU.

There are new rules which all businesses should understand and follow where applicable. Businesses involved in importing or exporting goods with the EU will be particularly affected and should have a plan in place to ensure a smooth transition.

West Berkshire's agricultural businesses and farms should check the latest guidance on moving animals and animal products and importing and exporting plant products.

Advice for local businesses

Berkshire Business Growth Hub provides detailed sector-specific guidance, along with webinars, events and one-to-one advice, free for West Berkshire businesses
Our West Berkshire Council Business Newsletter includes news and updates around Brexit

Government guidance

Employing EU citizens - Information about changes to the immigration system, right to work and settled status
Energy and climate - Information about changes to areas such as energy, renewables, the nuclear industry and regulated carbon emissions
EU funded programmes - The UK will continue to participate in programmes funded under the current 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) until their closure
The Border Operating Model - A guide to the new relationship between GB and EU borders
Importing - A step by step guide to importing goods into the UK
Exporting - A step by step guide to exporting goods from the UK
Transporting - Guidance for haulage companies transporting goods between Great Britain and the EU by RoRo freight
Intellectual property - Information about changes to copyrights, trademarks and patents
EU based businesses - Guidance for EU-based businesses who trade with the UK
Public sector procurement - Information about changes to government procurement contracts
Placing manufactured goods on the EU market - New rules for placing manufactured goods on the EU market from 1 January 2021
Using personal data - Information about changes to the rules for receiving and exchanging personal data with the EU/EEA

UK nationals visiting, studying, working or living in the EU

If you visit, study, work or live in the EU either in your personal or professional life, then you need to consider the new rules that came into force on 1 January 2021. For a comprehensive overview, please see the Government's Living in Europe guidance.

The following links to the GOV.UK website give guidance on specific countries and topics:

Country by country guidance - If you live in a European country, you can use this tool to check the rules there
Visiting Europe - Information including passports, driving and travel, European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC), pets and mobile roaming fees
Goods sent from abroad - Information about tax and customs on goods sent from abroad
Studying in the EU- Including information for Erasmus students and other options for higher education study abroad

EU residents working or living in the UK

Most EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and their family members who are living in the UK before 1 January 2021 should have applied for the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021.

The deadline for this scheme was on the 30 June 2021. If you or your family member have not applied to this, you can check the 'reasonable grounds' for not applying before the deadline and, if applicable, you may be able to apply using the link below.

Guidance on applying for settled status.

Assisted Digital Support

If you do not have internet access or the appropriate device or skills to complete the form to apply for settled status, you can request a phone conversation with an advisor who will help you complete your digital application. This is called Assisted Digital Support.

Request assisted digital support.

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