Ministers urged to act as small businesses 'feel the squeeze' after Brexit deal

25 March 2021, 00:25

There remain "substantial barriers" for UK trade with Europe, peers have said
There remain "substantial barriers" for UK trade with Europe, peers have said. Picture: PA

By Maddie Goodfellow

There remain "substantial barriers" for UK trade with Europe, with small businesses bearing the brunt of the post-Brexit strain, according to peers.

A report by the Lords EU Goods Sub-Committee has warned small firms are "feeling the squeeze" since the Prime Minister's free trade deal with Brussels came into force in January.

The committee is calling on ministers to establish a trusted trader scheme to ease the amount of paperwork that businesses have to fill out while also tackling the increased cost of transporting goods and helping firms to understanding the VAT changes when exporting to the European Union.

In the Beyond Brexit: Trade in Goods report published on Thursday, peers said there "remain substantial barriers to trade with the EU" following the implementation of the fresh trading terms.

It also cautioned that, without action, the physical checks currently in place on animal and plant products could become a "permanent barrier to trade", with meat and live shellfish products particularly badly-hit by the new inspection regime.

READ MORE: UK and EU pledge to create 'win-win' vaccine supply situation

READ MORE: Tougher border measures with France could be introduced 'very soon', PM says

Ex MI6 boss: Brexit has damaged the UK's security

Baroness Verma, the committee's chairwoman, said: "The Brexit trade deal struck with the EU may have prevented the nightmare of a 'no deal' exit for the UK, but a lot of unfinished business remains between the two sides.

"Businesses, particularly SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises), are feeling the squeeze of the non-tariff barriers resulting from the end of the transition period.

"The Government must take an ambitious approach to trade ties with the EU.

"Swift action and further funding is needed to minimise future disruption.

"Ongoing dialogue will be crucial to achieving smoother trade. The TCA (Trade and Cooperation Agreement) should be treated as the start, not the end of the UK's new relationship with the EU."

Liz Truss explains lifting of tariffs on some goods to USA

The report made a series of recommendations for simplifying the requirements on exporters.

"On customs, we recommend a trusted trader scheme to enable more businesses - especially smaller businesses - to benefit from simplified customs procedures," the 77-page report said.

The "complicated and varied VAT rules in different EU jurisdictions" were described as "among the most problematic non-tariff barriers to trade", with the committee calling for "advice and support to increase understanding among traders of new VAT implications" following the Government's decision to postpone its own accounting scheme.

On rules of origin stipulations in the deal, the peers said: "Only goods originating - or mostly originating - in the UK or EU will qualify for zero tariffs.

"The requirements will hit smaller businesses hardest but clarifications and mitigations, particularly on the re-export of non-processed goods, are urgently needed for all."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A 'major' suspected people smugger has been arrested in Amsterdam

'Major' Turkish supplier of small boats for Channel migrant crossings arrested as 'British FBI' swoop in airport

Clifton Suspension Bridge has quit Elon Musk's X after 15 years on the site.

Clifton suspension bridge dramatically departs from Twitter sparking wave of online jokes

Exclusive
Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year.

Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year

Two Just Stop Oil protesters charged over June's incident

Two Just Stop Oil activists charged after orange paint thrown over Stonehenge

Man arrested after reports of person carrying knives outside Houses of Parliament

Man charged with carrying offensive weapons after 'knife' incident near Parliament

Exclusive
Michael Harris died in an e-scooter crash

'My best friend was killed in e-scooter crash - I'm urging the government not to legalise them for use on roads'

Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, was pronounced dead at the scene in East Street, Walworth.

First picture of Walworth market 'knife rampage' victim as suspect appears in court

Police at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage where three people died and seven people were taken to hospital

Woman arrested over Dorset care home deaths released without charge

Donald Trump with Matt Gaetz

Trump's pick for US attorney-general faced sex-trafficking investigation by department he's now set to lead

The King is celebrating his 76th birthday

William and Kate 'wish very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!' as Charles celebrates turning 76

The mother said her daughter was threatened with detention for wearing a poppy to school

Mother's fury after daughter 'threatened with detention for wearing poppy to school'

Which? has launched a £3billion suit against Apple.

Which? launches £3 billion lawsuit against Apple over iCloud use - as 40 million Brits could receive payout

David Coote

Referees body 'taking very seriously' video appearing to show David Coote snorting white powder

Police have released this CCTV image of a man they want to trace

Police hunt man who ‘bit woman on chest’ in London nightclub

Despite backlash, The Yellow Bittern has been a hit amongst critics.

London chef takes to Instagram to complain diners are not ordering enough and ‘restaurants are not public benches’

A female pharmacist at work in a pharmacy in South Wales

Pharmacies could close on evenings and weekends as owners protest over funding