Brexit messages have even been displayed on motorway signs, hopefully not causing too much thought whilst driving.
The government’s “Get ready for Brexit” mantra is everywhere, as the Advertising Association pointed out in a recent article. They urge members of their £24bn per annum UK industry to plan for Brexit possibilities, not least no deal.
Other trade bodies have recently made similar calls and contingency planning does make sense for most companies. This should amongst other options include no deal but there are issues with following the “Get ready for Brexit” advice.
No doubt this has in a sense been prepared with good intentions and there are useful practical points but in other ways, the document is an illusion.
Twitter feeds including this one highlighted the point. Noted and discussed in the Huffington Post, comments on Twitter, or elsewhere from government sources, HMRC, export groups, failing in general to add clarity.
They shouldn’t be blamed for inaccuracy on the topic of temporary exports, the same for much to do with Brexit. The truth is at least easy to sum up, nobody has a clue what will happen but that doesn’t mean you should panic.
Considering Possibilities
We are now closer to an EU exit than has ever been the case but this still may not take place. Whilst no deal has been weaponised to try to bring people into line and is not impossible by any means, this is even less likely than remaining.
If and when we leave the EU, some form of agreement will probably be in place and we know from the Theresa May plus revamped Boris Johnson versions, roughly what this will hold.
A transition period is required and at present intended to run until December 2020. Bearing in mind the time taken on Brexit itself and most trade negotiations, that timetable needs taking with a pinch of salt.
However long a transition is, the principle is that most things stay as they are. There are no plans to change the basis of temporary exports that we know of, although as with any aspect, thinking on what could be needed still makes sense.
Carnets Are Not EU Based
If everything crashed in the morning and European politicians of all shades walked out, ATA carnets would still be available for temporary exports to the EU. They run on a globally based scheme, with all EU countries being members.
Depending on a longer term deal, carnets could be required for visits from the UK to the EU in the future. Neither is there absolute clarity on what happens regarding Northern Ireland in the interim.
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has said export declaration forms would be required between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Whilst this may be a low cost, basic declaration in any circumstances, nothing is certain.
Our best guess is that ATA carnets will not be required for any part of the EU, or UK in the foreseeable future but as with everyone else, this remains a guess. If they are needed, we are ready to provide them.