South West businesses are being urged to prepare for Brexit as the end of the 海角视频’s transition period draws closer.
Britain will leave the European Union on January 1 and Bristol-based chambers Business West says companies need to be ready in order to avoid delays and extra costs at the border.
According to the chamber, progress has been made in “difficult areas”, but fishing rights, competition rules and how a deal would be enforced are still the “main issues” being negotiated.
Business West said firms that had previously only traded with the EU would need to complete customs declarations in January. It warned the number of customs declarations was predicted to increase from 55 million to 255 million.
Catherine Stephens, head of international trade services at Business West, said: “While Business West still has capacity to help companies who are importing or exporting to the EU after Brexit, firms must act quickly to avoid a situation where brokers or agents do not have the resources to onboard businesses.
“The time left to get prepared is minimal, but negotiations are still continuing. For up-to-date information, I would encourage businesses to visit Business West's Trading through Brexit hub to receive regular updates and advice."
The news comes as a Gloucestershire eel farm said could be forced to close if it fails to meet requirements that have been introduced as a result of Brexit .
Victoria Hale, Office Manager at Glass Eels, an established eel fishery in Gloucester, said: “I had no idea how to do any customs declarations but Business West has helped us understand what we have to do to get our goods out of the country (if we can that is) and it’s good to know where we are with the documentation side.”
Business West has put together for importers and exporters on how to get prepared for changes to trading rules. It is also hosting a on December 1 to help businesses prepare for Brexit.