BUSINESSNEWS
BREXIT 2021 DEBATED AT GGF MEMBERS ’ WEEK
GK Strategy ( political advisers of the GGF ) hosted the online panel discussion , which focused on the UK after the end of the Brexit Transition Period , and what it may mean for the glass and glazing sector and the wider British economy .
» THE EXPERT PANEL INCLUDED :
• Rt . Hon . David Laws – Former Liberal Democrat MP and Cabinet Office Minister
• Dave Dalton – Chief Executive Officer , British Glass
• Jeff May – Director of Government Relations and Business Development , Construction Products Association ( CPA )
Members in attendance had the opportunity to ask panellists questions on a range of subjects including : the future of the UK ’ s environmental standards ; the potential disadvantage of UK businesses having to conform to two different sets of product standards ; and the politics around a future trading agreement .
GK provided an overview and status of the UK / EU future trading relationship negotiations and outlined the key issues that may impact the sector as the UK prepares to leave the European Union with or without a deal .
STATUS OF UK / EU NEGOTIATIONS Political strategic adviser , David Laws outlined that , although timeframes are tight for an agreement there are reasons to be optimistic about the prospect of the two sides reaching an agreement . There are increasingly positive signals that the two sides are moving closer together on issues of contention including governance of state aid measures , fisheries policy and the watering down of the controversial Internal Market Bill . However , despite these positive signals , David Laws said that there was still “ approximately a 30 % chance that no further agreement would be reached , and businesses need to prepare for different eventualities .”
MOVEMENT OF GOODS
The panel outlined that although negotiations will determine the extent of checks on the UK-EU border , and the levels of tariffs and quotas on goods , the core framework for the new border operating model has been published . Known as the
Border Operating Model ( BOM ), the BOM will be phased in from 1st January 2021 , and all businesses will be required to complete point of importation customs requirements for all goods from 1st July 2021 , but businesses should make preparations to do this from the New Year .
For exports , there will not be a similar grace period , and all businesses will need to comply with EU measures on exports from third countries from 1st January 2021 . All businesses that import and export from the EU should investigate which steps they need to take in advance of 2021 .
Since the panel discussion , the Border Operating Model has been updated with further detail on the requirements on hauliers exporting via Kent and the financial penalties if they are not compliant with ‘ Checker HGV ’.
MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE
Regardless of the outcome of negotiations , the UK will implement a new points-based immigration system from 1st January 2021 . The new immigration system will only apply to new arrivals ( following 1st January 2021 ). EU citizens living and working in the UK will be allowed to stay through the EU Settlement Scheme .
All applicants will need to meet criteria in order to qualify , including : a job offer from an “ approved employer ” at an “ appropriate skill level .” and English language proficiency . The
Government defines “ appropriate skill level ” as RQF3 or above ( equivalent to A-Level ). Additional points are granted to applicants if the profession is on the shortage of occupation list or the offer has a salary of over £ 25,600 . The panel noted that glazing professionals are not currently on the Shortage of Occupation list .
PRODUCT STANDARDS :
The panel outlined that product standards are still subject to negotiations , but the UK has announced plans to replace CE marking with a new UK Conformity Assessed ( UKCA ) mark from 2021 . It is expected that the UK will accept both marks on products placed on the UK market for a time-limited period following the transition period .
Businesses should be aware that , if no agreement is reached in talks , products covered by the Construction Products Regulation ( CPR ) by Notified Bodies and Technical Assessment Bodies ( TABs ) in the UK will no longer be permitted on the EEA market .
The GGF will be working with GK Strategy to integrate the latest views and information onto the GGF Brexit Hub which is the industry ’ s conduit for interpretation of the Government information on the UK leaving the EU .
To see GK Strategy ’ s presentation at Members ’ Week please visit : https :// www . ggf . org . uk / wp-content / uploads / 2018 / 01 / GGF-Members-Week-End-of-Transition- Period-for-panellists . pdf
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