Smaller businesses can now apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the EU

The £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund, launched on 16th March 2021, enables traders to access practical support, including training for new customs, rules of origin and VAT processes. This announcement follows the previous week’s news that Phases 2 and 3, relating to the change in customs arrangements, have been delayed.

The SME Brexit Support Fund is only available to eligible SMEs who import from or export to the EU and Northern Ireland. It is not accessible by Customs Agents or Intermediaries.

Support Grants can be used for training on:

  • How to complete customs declarations
  • How to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems
  • Specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin

For further information, visit the PWC website FAQ page here.

Grants can also be used to help you get professional advice so your business can meet its customs, excise, import, VAT or safety and security declaration requirements. VARTAN has the training material and expertise to provide this training and advice – if you need help or just need a discussion to understand your options and how this training could help your business, then please get in touch.