Exporting to the UK post-Brexit

Discover the tools that hub.brussels has developed for Brussels companies to support trade relations in the post-Brexit economic context.


The United Kingdom definitively ceased to be part of the European Union on 1 January 2021.

The European Union and the United Kingdom have reached a trade and cooperation agreement (EU – UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement) that governs relations between

the two entities post-Brexit.

Brexit has come into effect and EU countries now consider the United Kingdom to be a third country. As a result, there are new procedures and trading conditions in place, notably concerning the movement of goods across borders, the provision of services and the rules for establishing businesses in the United Kingdom.

However, this neighbouring market of over 60 million inhabitants, with its long tradition of trade with European countries, is still a prime market for Belgian and Brussels-based entrepreneurs.
In practice, no customs duties are levied on EU products exported to the United Kingdom.

Nor does the European Union impose taxes on the entry of products originating in the UK into the EU, as long as they meet the requirements of the rules of origin.

Following the United Kingdom’s official withdrawal from the European Union, hub.brussels wants to make sure that Brussels-based companies have all the information they need so they can continue operating across the Channel.

hub.brussels has set up a series of practical actions designed to promote Brussels companies to British customers or to inform/train them on the new procedures and standards in force for exporting goods or services to the UK.

Do you export or want to export to the UK?

Discover the instructional videos with their explanatory sheets on Brexit-related formalities. They provide a clear and accessible overview of the general framework, the necessary steps and the important points when doing business with the UK.

See also the explanatory sheets (PDFs)

  • Importing products to and from the UK (French / Dutch)

  • Exporting food products to the UK (French / Dutch)

  • Selling alcoholic products in the UK (French / Dutch)

  • Selling online in the UK (French / Dutch)

  • Providing services in the UK (French / Dutch)

  • Brexit and its VAT consequences (French / Dutch)

  • Opening a branch in the UK (French / Dutch)

  • Arbitration to resolve disputes post-Brexit (coming soon)

Market studies to evaluate the state of British supply and demand in several key sectors in Brussels

  • Food and drink
  • Fashion
  • Sustainable construction
  • Commercial banking and finance
  • Insurance
  • Legal services

Ask for our sectoral studies at london@hub.brussels.

Visit our Brexit FAQs for businesses

Do you have questions about customs, contracts, VAT or personnel? Check out the practical advice in our general FAQ.

Contact our team

Nathalie Stefanovic

Area Manager United Kingdom, France, Scandinavia, CEEC

T. +32 490 49 35 34 

nstefanovic@hub.brussels

Samuël Servaes

Representative of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region - Economic and Commercial Advisor

Embassy of Belgium
17 Crosvenor Crescent SW1X 7EE
London UK

+44 7711169811

london@hub.brussels

United Kingdom export grants

Also consider the other tools available to support your business in the UK:

Export grants

Is your Brussels-based company looking to expand internationally by exporting its products or services? In that case, Brussels Economy and Employment can help you boost your business with its many grants > Discover the financial assistance for exporting


Brexit impact grants

Were you already doing business across the Channel before January 2020 and do you still have commercial relations with the UK? Discover the 10 grants designed for companies impacted by BREXIT

Brexit Adjustment Reserve

Since 1 January 2021, the European Union and the United Kingdom have formed two separate markets, regulatory and legal spaces. The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union has created new obstacles to the sale of goods and services, as well as to mobility and trade, mainly affecting public administrations, businesses and citizens. It was in this context that the Member States provided for the establishment of a special Brexit Adjustment Reserve, hereinafter referred to as the “Brexit Adjustment Reserve” (BAR), of €5.4 billion at the extraordinary European Council of 17-21 July 2020.

The objective is to support the most affected regions and markets and deal with the unforeseen and negative consequences of Brexit.

With a budget of €25 million granted to the BCR, the Brussels Government has selected five Brussels public mission organisations to implement measures to address the challenges identified in its Action Plan by 31 December 2023 at the latest.

Discover the Brussels projects of the BAR, the Brussels-Capital Region’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

This action is funded by the European Union as part of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve