Page 15 - inPRINT Issue 63

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he summer saw Brexit bounce If you’re planning on trading with New immigration system
T back onto the agenda as COVID-19 the EU, we’ve published a list of actions From 1 January 2021, free movement
lockdown restrictions were lifted. you need to take between now and will end and the UK will introduce a
The end of June saw teams of UK December, regardless of the outcome of points-based immigration system.
negotiators arriving in Brussels for face- negotiations. You should, by now, have The new system will treat EU and
to-face talks with EU Chief Negotiator your EORI number if you trade with non-EU citizens equally. Under a
Michel Barnier, describing October as Europe, but that’s just the first step. points-based immigration system,
the “moment of truth” for a free trade points are assigned for specific skills,
deal to be done. Tariff arrangements qualifications, salaries and occupations.
At the time of writing, there’s no sign Without a free trade agreement with Visas are then awarded to those who
of an agreement being reached. The the EU, January 2021 will see the UK’s gain enough points.
gridlock is still centred on the two most trading regime default to WTO rules. If you plan to employ staff from the
problematic issues: ‘level playing field’ Under the system of Most Favoured EU after January 2021, you’ll need to be
regulations and fishing. At an internal Nations, the UK Global Tariff will come aware of the new system, but it won’t
briefing, Barnier reportedly said the UK into force to replace the EU Common apply to EU citizens already living here,
had scaled back some of its aspirations External Tariff. It will apply to trade with if they apply for the EU Settlement
and was now seeking what constituted countries around the world that the UK Scheme.
a “low-quality, low-profile” agreement, does not have an agreement with. This The basic principle is that all
but one that would still provide tariff- could, of course, include the EU. applicants coming from overseas will
and-quota-free access to the EU market. The intention is that the UK Global need 70 points to be eligible. All must
The EU remains staunch that it will Tariff reflects the needs of the British have the offer of a job by an approved
not allow the UK this level of access economy. So, in some areas, tariffs sponsor (20 points), a job at the
unless it signs up to ‘level playing are being maintained to protect UK appropriate skills level (20 points) and
field’ principles that minimise the producers. For example, they will still the required level of English (10 points).
risk of Britain undercutting the EU on be charged on most types of vehicles They’ll then need to make up another
environmental regulations, workers’ coming in to the country to protect the 20 points, which are awarded depending
rights and state aid for business. UK automotive sector (usually 10%) on the salary level and education of
With regard to fishing, the EU wants and also on most agricultural products. the applicant. For example, a job with
to continue the status quo on access But the Government is removing all a salary of £23,040-£25,599 is worth
to British fishing waters, and the UK tariffs below 2.5%, which it refers to another ten points, as is a relevant PhD.
wants higher quotas for its own fishing as ‘nuisance tariffs’. It is also cutting
boats. To make any deal on fishing it back on the number of different tariffs More on the new Points Based System
seems the EU will have to concede some applied. So some of the tariffs the UK can be found on page 9 of this issue,
quotas to Britain. Under consideration has been charging as part of the EU and on the Home Office website.
is a phased plan that would give will disappear – in areas, for example,
EU fishermen some medium-term where there isn't that much domestic For the latest on Brexit, please visit
certainty. Some of the inland states UK production that needs protecting. As www.britishprint.com/brexit
support a compromise, but any such a result, 47% of all products will have
arrangements continue to be protested zero tariffs. Paper and board will remain
by France. at 0%. Some items – for example,
At the same time, the Government photographic film – that were tariffed at
launched its post-COVID, pre-real-Brexit 6.5% under the Common External Tariff
information campaign. The multi- will be reduced to 0% under the new
million ‘The UK’s New Start: Let’s Get regime.
Going’ advertising began on 13 July Use the UK Global Tariff Tool to find
via TV, radio, online and text message. out the tariffs that will apply to goods
Businesses and individuals have been you import from 1 January 2021. You
encouraged to use the new ‘Check, can also use this tool to check the
Change, Go’ online tool to find out what difference between any tariffs you
they need to do. currently pay and what you’ll pay from
January onwards.
New border operating model
Whether there’s a deal made or not, a
new border operating model will kick in
from January 2021. There will be three
stages towards full border control, with
different requirements brought in from
January, April and then July. You can
check out the full table on our website.

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