The Top 5 things pharmaceutical firms can do to prepare for no-deal

Delivering the deal negotiated with the EU is the Government’s priority. However, preparing for any outcome is recommended and many UK-based pharmaceutical firms would be affected by a no-deal Exit from the EU.

The Government suggests five things pharmaceutical firms can do now to prepare.

1. Go to gov.uk for information relevant to your businesses
   
   Answer seven simple questions about your business on euexit.campaign.gov.uk to receive the guidance that is relevant to your business. Sign up for email updates here
    
2. Find out which tariffs your business may face
   
   The government has published a Technical Notice to provide businesses and the public with further guidance on tariffs for goods in the context of no deal. A specific Technical Notice informing businesses about the government’s plans to ensure continuity for the UK’s existing trade agreements if there is no Brexit deal is also available.
    
3. Prepare for new customs and VAT procedures at the border
   
   Businesses will need to complete additional paperwork and register for an EORI number to move goods between the UK and EU. You can find specific actions to take on customs, including simplified procedures here and details on VAT changes here
    
4. Ensure you follow regulations to sell medical products in the EEA and UK
   
   Medical suppliers will need to establish their MAHs, applicants and QPPV in the EEA to sell any products there. Businesses will also need UK establishments by the end of 2020 to sell in the UK
    
5. Continue Right to Work checks and support EEA and Swiss citizens
   
   Ensure you continue to conduct Right to Work checks for new employees using an EEA or Swiss citizen’s passport or national identity card, support employees applying to the EU Settlement Scheme and inform those arriving after a ‘no deal’ exit about European Temporary Leave to Remain

Information provided by the Office for Life Sciences and the Department of Health and Social Care.