Right then, let's talk about the no-deal notice for Free Trade Agreements.
Totally inadequate.
Read on if you want to know the details (and to get better advice - for free!) 1/
gov.uk/government/pub…
Totally inadequate.
Read on if you want to know the details (and to get better advice - for free!) 1/
gov.uk/government/pub…
So let's start with the scope. Free Trade Agreements, those giving tariff preference in some way. What is not covered, other international agreements which cover trade, such as Mutual Recognition Agreements, Partnership Agreements etc 2/ 
What do these agreements cover? Goods, services, procurement, intellectual property. Not mentioned, regulations, customs streamlining, rules on issues like competition and labour 3/
If there's a Withdrawal Agreement we'll probably still be covered by these agreements. It isn't definite as claimed here. 4/
No withdrawal agreement, and we have to replace the agreements. It would be nice for the Government to commit here to prioritising agreements and keeping business informed, but as we know communication is not a specialism of this Government 5/
Until there's an agreement we're on WTO terms. This applies to both goods and services though only goods are mentioned here. On the up side this means rules of origin are less of a burden for goods. 6/
Imports from developing countries should not be affected and it is important to note that for goods we do not need to complete WTO negotiations to have a schedule. That doesn't though apply to procurement 7/
The big problem for our goods exports under renegotiated agreements is rules of origin - we can currently count EU input towards exports to get preferential tariffs, and that will change. In reality in some sectors this will be a big change 8/
And unbelievably, that's it. So what's missing? First if you're trading with Norway, Iceland, and Turkey no deal means we'll need completely new agreements - these cannot be simply rolled over. That can be expected to take some time 9/
Goods, as well as what is mentioned you need to check whether there were other elements in the agreement that will no longer apply - that could include but is not limited to special customs arrangements and mutual recognition of various checks 10/
On services you need to check the WTO GATS schedule for the country concerned, to see if you are still going to be allowed to sell the service under the same conditions. There may be restrictions for example on specific sectors 11/
If you supply goods or services to public sector bodies you will need to wait to see if we succeed in maintaining membership of the Government Procurement Agreement, and check the schedules there, or for countries not in that check their bidding criteria 12/
Goods importers will face implications as well as exporters - similarly you will need to check tariff rates and whether there are any other implications for example in terms of product checks 13/
There may also be implications for public sector bodies which procure services from firms based outside the UK, and other foreign service providers in the UK. These will also need to be checked 14/
A final thought. Many imported goods are currently shipped via the EU, in particular Rotterdam. This will also be something which you may need to consider in the future 15/
Conclusion: We don't fact know the take-up rate for trade agreements, but losing them may lead to impacts for importers and exporters, and they will need to do considerably more than is suggested in this notice. 16/ ends
PS there are at least three other no-deal notices published today which could be relevant, particularly on services - on audit, professional qualifications, and business structuring
