UK rubber compounder says Brexit preparation ‘easier than thought’ 

Manchester, UK – UK rubber compounder Trafford Rubber Products is preparing for new, post-Brexit rules for trading with the EU – a process, it stated, it “easier than people think.”

“Once you start to unpack what you need to do, you will be surprised how straightforward it is,” said Christopher Brindle, commercial director for the Manchester-based business.

Brindle’s comments featured in an 18 Nov statement issued by the UK department for business, energy & industrial strategy (BEIS), to encourage businesses to prepare for full-exit from the EU on 1 Jan 2021.

According to the director, many of Trafford Rubber’s EU customers already buy from organisations outside of the EU and are, therefore, “familiar with how to handle the process.” 

In preparing for UK withdrawal, Trafford Rubber has been in close contact with’ freight forwarder’ partners, the local chamber of commerce and UK department for international trade (DIT).

The rubber processor has also linked directly with the UK’s revenue and customs agency, and border force to help it create a new system of working.

In addition, Trafford Rubber employees have received training in export documentation from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

“We obtained EORI (economic operator registration and identification) numbers for our businesses last year and our forwarders have been very helpful in developing online systems for customs clearance,”  said Brindle. 

The process, he added, is “much like” shipping outside of the EU and most forwarders are “well prepared and want to help.”

Alongside the advice from Trafford Rubber, BEIS highlighted its launch of a series of webinars to advise companies on pre-Brexit actions. 

Upcoming topics include: chemicals; use of personal data; and business travel as well as a dedicated webinar for the metals and materials sectors. 

The UK has yet to reach a trade agreement with the EU, that would take effect on 1 Jan 2021. Without a deal, tariffs and other barriers will be placed on trade, under World Trade Organisation rules.