Support for businesses
Operate after Brexit
Operate after Brexit
Together with our partners we are helping businesses across Scotland adapt to the new operating environment following our exit from the European Union. Find information on the changing requirements for dealing with EU and the processes you need to have in place to continue your relationship with member states.
Official guidance, key dates and advice
Use the Government's Brexit checker to get a personalised list of actions for operating after Brexit
The SME Brexit Support Fund is now open to applications and could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice. Learn more
Visiting Europe and extra requirements for business travel
Trade and customs after Brexit: Key dates for companies to note
Find someone to speak to about trade, sector or market issues in our helpline directory
Read our Brexit FAQs, developed from business feedback
Resources for your business
Export to the EU
New rules for businesses took effect on 1 January 2021 and some of the changes are significant. We’re here to help you continue trading in the new operating environment with advice on exporting and selling online.
Import from the EU
The withdrawal agreement also changed the way that goods are imported into Great Britain from the EU. Follow our guidance to ensure that you're able to continue importing from Europe now the UK has left the EU.
Trade with Northern Ireland
EU withdrawal has also meant changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with new administrative procedures now in place including declaration requirements and conformity assessment processes.
Understanding VAT after Brexit
The rules surrounding VAT have changed. Understand how the new rules affect your business, with country specific information and situational examples.
Learn about conformity assessment and labelling
Goods will be subject to separate regulation in the UK and the EU. Get to know how the conformity assessment process and labelling impact your business to ensure you're following the new regulations.
Transport and logistics
How to ensure your goods get to market and you get the imports your business needs to operate after Brexit.
Trade with third countries
EU free trade agreements that offered Scottish businesses preferential terms no longer apply. The UK has agreed continuity agreements with some countries, but not all, so in some cases the levels of coverage will now be different.
Sector-specific advice
Following our exit from the EU, Scottish businesses now need to obtain authorisations from new regulatory bodies in some sectors. This may affect your business, particularly if you need to certify, package and label products for export. Find guidance on specific countries and sectors here.
Financial support
From recruitment to contract terms, leaving the EU has brought additional business expenses. Support is available to help you adapt to changing costs and risks.
Data, intellectual property and legal contracts
It is essential to remain legally compliant now that intellectual property rights, trademark law and data adequacy requirements are changing.
People, workforce and skills
With the end of free movement between the UK and EU, there are new systems in place for recruiting staff from outside the UK. The environment has also changed for UK professionals, who are now subject to third country requirements in host states.
Support for businesses
You can watch Brexit playback webinars from ourselves and partners.
Got a question about operating after Brexit?
Get in touch with our experts for the latest on the UK's exit from the EU, its impact on Scottish businesses, and how we can help you navigate the changes facing all companies.