A line on the government’s Get Ready for
Brexit guidelines has caused a minor panic after it appeared to suggest taking a work laptop out of the
UK for work purposes will more than £300.
The section on how to “take goods temporarily out of the UK” outlines the changes to customs in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
It states that an ATA Carnet, also known as a “Passport for Goods” and costing £326, will be required to avoid paying duty on goods you take into the EU for business reasons.
It then lists examples of the goods this applies to, including “laptops, cameras or sound equipment” and “personal effects and sports goods”.
After screenshots of the guidance circulated on
Twitter, a number of people expressed concern over what it would mean for those taking business trips armed with a work laptop after Brexit.So if you’re taking a business trip to Europe after a 31 October no-deal #Brexit, don’t take your laptop, unless you pay £325 for a carnet.That’s practical. Especially for freelancers.Utter insanity. https://t.co/IO2Zl8wxpI— Craig Thomas (@craigthomas1) October 5, 2019But a spokesperson for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said no one should panic and the guidance – although not explicitly stated on the website – only applies to businesses moving lots of goods via trucks on a temporary basis, such as a large company needing to relocate and work in another EU country for a few months.
Individuals taking a laptop or similar item on a business trip to the EU and back will not be affected.
So in sum, freelancers relax.
Back in the world of political negotiations, the chances of a no-deal Brexit increased on Saturday as it was announced discussions between the UK and
European Union will not take place this weekend as anticipated.
Talks between the two sides were thought likely to continue on Saturday after the prime minister set out his plan to replace the controversial
Irish backstop.
But the
European Commission said EU member states had agreed the proposals “do not provide a basis for concluding an agreement”.
A spokesman said discussions between the two sides would not take place this weekend and instead the UK would be given “another opportunity to present its proposals in detail” on Monday.Related... A Brief Guide To Boris Johnson's Rather Confusing Friday BBC's Emily Maitlis Reveals Just How Frustrating Interviewing Politicians Is In 2019