Following the announcement that the UK government plans to enrol VAT registered firms with an EORI number to allow them to continue trading with the EU in the event of a No Deal Brexit.

HMRC have announced that they are to auto-enrol around 88,000 UK businesses for a UK EORI number. These are VAT registered businesses that HMRC can identify as currently trading with the EU.

An EORI number is fundamental to international trade. In the event of a No-Deal Brexit it will be impossible to move goods into or out of the UK without a GB EORI number. Any UK business currently trading outside the EU should already have one and HMRC’s auto-enrolment should pick up those trading in the EU only - but it may not catch everyone.

As a GB EORI number will be fundamental to international trade if No-Deal happens, getting one is a critical piece of Brexit preparation. If you don’t have one, there’s no need to wait for HMRC to enroll you - you can do it yourself here - it’s a very straightforward process.

If you want to trade with other EU countries after a No Deal Brexit, you’ll also need an EORI number issued in an EU country - this needs to be obtained direct from a Member State.

Getting an EORI number is a tiny but critical part of No Deal preparation. HMRC’s announcement on auto-enrolment is welcome, but you don’t need to wait for them and it makes sense to tick this issue off quickly.

Please get in touch with me to chat further about these changes and the impact of Brexit on EU trade.