Aerospace

Five steps to Brexit preparedness for aerospace companies

Posted 7 October 2019

With the UK aiming to leave the EU on 31st October, bringing important changes to doing business, the Government has issued five steps that aerospace companies can take now to prepare for Brexit.

Courtesy Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

1. Prepare for new customs and VAT procedures at the border when trading with the EU
To continue importing from and exporting to the EU after 31 October there are changes you need to make now. Make sure you have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number that starts with GB, it’s quick, easy and free to do on gov.uk/brexit.

For businesses that import there’s also the option of applying to make this easier with transitional simplified procedures (TSP). This streamlines the process and is ideal for those new to customs procedures.

Find step-by-step guides to importing and exporting, as well as more information at gov.uk/brexit-traders .

2. Check if your existing UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) certificates and licences will be valid
You may not be able to work or operate in the aviation industry without valid certificates and licences. Prepare to work and operate in the European aviation sector after Brexit by reading the guidance at gov.uk/brexit . Search for ‘European aviation Brexit’.

3. Ensure you can import and use chemicals
To continue to use or import chemicals you will need to check whether you have new obligations under UK REACH (the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation), as well your requirements under other regimes, such as BPR (Biocidal Products Regulation) and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging).
Refer to the guidance at www.hse.gov.uk/brexit/reach.htm

4. Signpost the EU Settlement Scheme
Employers can help their EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss staff get the information they need to apply for status under the EU Settlement Scheme. This will enable them to secure their rights in the UK. Applicants have until at least 31 December 2020 to make an application. Visit gov.uk/brexit and search ‘EU Settlement Scheme Employer Toolkit’ for more information.

5. Check whether any EU funding you receive will be guaranteed
The government has guaranteed that UK organisations will continue to receive funding over their projects’ lifetimes if they have successfully bid into EU-funded programmes up to the end of 2020. Payments can extend beyond 2020.

To find out about a specific fund, search gov.uk/brexit for ‘European and domestic funding after Brexit’.

For further information , speak with your lawyer and accountant or visit gov.uk/brexit for tailored business information and to sign up for email updates.