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Buying New Commercial Building Plant & Equipment After Brexit

March 11th, 2022

Last updated: August 5th, 2022

Brexit has led to some huge challenges in a variety of different industries, not least of all in the world of construction.

Commercial plant and commercial equipment are still readily available, but many building projects are being delayed, with some businesses finding it hard to find the staff, equipment, and materials that they need.

How Brexit Has Changed Commercial Building Plant

The commercial plant and commercial equipment market has been hit by a number of factors since the Brexit vote. The fall in the value of the pound, for example, has made imported goods more expensive. Driver shortages have also made it harder to get some items delivered, including equipment.

Considerations for Buying Commercial Plant and Equipment

Brexit has added an extra layer of complexity to the process of buying commercial plant and commercial equipment.

Here are a few things to consider when making commercial building decisions since Brexit.

  • How likely is it that your supplier will be able to continue importing supplies? If not, what alternative options do you have?
  • What impact could labour shortages and additional transport expenses have on the cost of commercial plant and equipment?
  • How will currency fluctuations affect payments for commercial plant and equipment?

These are just a few of the questions that businesses need to ask themselves when making decisions about commercial building post-Brexit.

How to Buy New Commercial Building Equipment After Brexit

The UK and EU struck a trade deal from 1st January 2021. This means no direct charges on construction equipment or construction products. However, there are a number of additional issues, including a huge increase in paperwork and potential holdups at borders.

To import goods into the EU and export goods from the EU after Brexit took effect, you will need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

Importers and exporters in the UK will both need to have a UK EORI number.

Tips for buying commercial building equipment include:

  • Follow the Government’s steps to check what duty and customs steps are required for equipment you are buying from abroad.
  • If you are importing goods containing hazardous materials or F-Gas, ensure you have followed steps to correctly label goods for import.
  • Order items as far in advance as you can, reducing the impact of any holdups you encounter.
  • Keep all receipts, ensuring a paper trail of your equipment purchases.
  • If needed, hire someone to deal with customs declarations and transport the goods for you, which can take a lot of stress out of the process.

Summary

Regulations have not changed too drastically, but buying from overseas can be a bigger challenge. The added paperwork and some undeniable logistical challenges have cropped up in the wake of Brexit. As the Government aims to overtake the EU in appliance energy efficiency, we can expect further developments to follow.

If you’re searching for the types of equipment that Robinsons Facilities Services maintain, install and repair, we can assist in sourcing equipment for your commercial property. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

 

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