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      • How to pack and ship pastel paintings
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Brexit Guidance for Art and Artists

This page aims to provide a STRICTLY PRACTICAL AND APOLITICAL GUIDE TO BREXIT
for art, artists, art exhibitions, dealers, galleries and related organisations

Topics covered (and to cover):
  • Immediate impact
  • Official Guidance for Art Organisations
  • Trade, Customs, Tariff Codes, Tax and documentation for shipping
    • Changes to VAT Rules
    • Import and export of art - sales
    • Import and export of art - for exhibition only
  • Travel
  • Settlement
  • Copyright and intellectual property rights
SUMMARY 
  • The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020.
  • ​The Transition Period formally ends on 31 December 2020. 
  • The Brexit Transition | Gov UK website provides definitive information - to the extent that anything is definitive (but check dates).
  • ​The art market sector from January 2021 (published 4 November 2020) by Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
This page is very much a work in progress. It lists all known formal and informal guidance and advice relevant to art and artists
  • If you have a query please use the form at the end.
  • If you have a solution to a problem please also use the form to share 

I've also added in some artwork, notably by Banksy, via his Brexit posts on Instagram. He's not a fan - but the art is good - and that's what matters!
Picture

Immediate Impact - Transition Period
​

What's likely to happen in the short term?

The UK left the European Union on 31st January 2020.
  • The current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period.
  • New rules will take effect on 1 January 2021.

At present, the UK is in the Transition Period - and the terms of the Trade Deal going forward have still to be agreed
  • If a trade deal is not agreed, then everything starts to change after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020
  • The original expectation was the Transition Period would might take somewhere between 2-5 years. It's now anticipated to take 11 months - but might take a bit longer.

Don't believe a lot of what the popular press tells you since most are politically motivated and just say what they want to hear.
  • Fearmongers predict awful things will happen.
  • Optimists predict the shackles will be the lifted.
The reality is likely to be somewhere inbetween.

Plus don't take too much notice of social media
  • Twitter is home to those who like to shout a lot.
  • There is, in fact, an awful lot of fake news out there. Always check out anything you find frightening.

UPDATE: July 2020:  The Government has formally launched its publicity campaign around the changes which will be introduced on 1st January 2021
  • Check what you need to do to travel to Europe from 2021
  • get an EORI number if you do not already have one and want to import or export
  • decide how you want to make customs declarations and whether you need to get someone to deal with customs for you
  • Check what you need to do to stay in the UK
  • Check what you must do in the country where you live
BREXIT FOR ARTISTS TIPS: 
  1. Don't assume that everything will be the same - or that this is the end of the world as we know it! 
  2. Be flexible and allow more time for anything international
  3. Prepare to be surprised!

​Plus something I wrote a little while ago on a Facebook Group
sometimes people get fearful about change because it means they'll have to do things differently - when they forget that e.g. - they now :
- use credit/debit cards instead of cheques;
- email people instead of using stamps;
- don't think twice now about having overseas clients whereas that would have been a big deal in the past
​- etc etc etc.

A Public Information Sign, underpass, Littlemore, Oxford. #Brexit #postbrexithysteria@LeaveEUOfficial @Lugey6 @remain_central @BestForBritain @remainvoter @artists4brexit #underpassart pic.twitter.com/uXwbKuQ6Fc

— A34 (@Athirty4) February 9, 2020
REFERENCE:
  • Brexit #1: Do or Die? | Making A Mark - predictions as to the likely impact of turbulence in the art market on artists
  • The Transition Period | Gov UK
  • Government confirms plans to introduce import controls | Gov UK - The government has confirmed plans to introduce import controls on EU goods at the border after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.
  • Brexit Transition Info. for Artists | Art Business Info for Artists - my blog post summarising the key area of change on 1 January 2021 for import and export, travel and citizens. 

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE - GENERIC
​

From 1 January 2021 you will need to make customs declarations to move goods into and out of the EU. You should:
- get an EORI number if you do not already have one
- decide how you want to make customs declarations and whether you need to get someone to deal with customs for you.
Official government guidance


These are links to the Official Government web pages providing official  guidance of a generic nature.
​Don't assume I've found all the ones which matter!
​
Picture
A whirlwind of change?

Post Transition (i.e. from 1 January 2021)
​

Trade, Customs Tariffs and Taxes

From 1 January 2021 the way goods and services move across borders will change and new tariffs may be imposed.
  • The Border Operating Model (October 2020) - A guide to how the border with the European Union will work after the transition period.
  • The Border with the European Union: Importing and Exporting Goods PDF, 9.41MB, 138 pages
    • Get an EORI number - Apply to get an EORI number to move goods between the UK and non-EU countries.
    • Prepare to export goods from Great Britain to the EU from 1 January 2021 - The process for exporting goods to the EU will change. Businesses in England, Wales and Scotland need to complete the following actions to continue exporting to EU countries from 1 January 2021.
    • Prepare to import goods from the EU to Great Britain from 1 January 2021 - Actions you need to take now to import goods from the EU from 1 January 2021.
    • You can also read guidance on moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland.
  • SEE UK trade agreements with non-EU countries - Find out which trade agreements with non-EU countries are in place during and after the transition period. This is the major stumbling block at the moment
REFERENCE:
  • Brexit Information for Artists | Visual Artists Ireland
    • Brexit Information for Artists – Based in Northern Ireland]
    • Brexit Information for Artists – Based in Ireland - this will be very similar to the sort of information artists in other EU countries need to know
VAT
  • Pay VAT when you sell digital services to EU consumers from 1 January 2021 - If you're a UK business find out how to declare sales and pay VAT if you sell digital services to EU consumers from 1 January 2021.
  • Brexit and your eBay Business | eBay​
    • Sellers from Great Britain (England, Wales & Scotland) delivering to an EU address
    • Options for Sellers when sending to the EU
    • Additional points to consider
    • UK Trader Scheme
    • Estimated Delivery Day(s)
    • Useful links​
  • Changes to VAT import regulations for the UK and EU in 2021 | eBay - this is how the changes will be handled on eBay
You need an EORI number to move goods between the UK and non-EU countries.
From 1 January 2021 you will need one to move goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Isle of Man, and the EU. You may also need a separate EORI number if you move goods to or from Northern Ireland
Get an EORI Number
From 1 January 2021, you'll need to make customs declarations when exporting goods to the EU. These rules currently apply to exporting goods to the rest of the world, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
You can make the declarations yourself, but most businesses use a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent.
  1. - Find out how to make customs declarations yourself
  2. - ​Get someone to deal with customs for you
Purchases
​
  • Buying things from Europe from 1 January 2021 - Changes to how your consumer rights work when you buy from EU countries after 1 January 2021.
Check the terms and conditions before you buy. Contact the UK European Consumer Centre for help with problems buying from an EU country.
​​Travel

​​Check what you need to do to travel to Europe from 2021
  • From 1 January 2021 there will be new rules to travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
  • Visit Europe from 1 January 2021 - How to prepare for travel to Europe from 1 January 2021.
  • ​Passport rules for travel to Europe from 1 January 2021 - Advice for British passport holders from January 2021.​
Until 1 January 2021, you can continue to travel to Europe with your UK passport until it expires. New rules will apply for travel to Europe from 1 January 2021.
Settlement
​

New immigration system: what you need to know ​
  • Check what rules will exist for non-UK citizens wanting to live in the UK​
  • The UK is introducing a points-based immigration system from 2021.
REFERENCE
  • Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) - The EU Settlement Scheme for EU citizens and their families to remain in the UK after it leaves the EU ('Brexit'): who's eligible, how to apply, how much it costs.
  • Continue to live in the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen - Most EU citizens will need to apply to continue living in the UK after 31 December 2020.
  • Stay in the UK ('settled status'): step by step - Find out how and when to apply for settled status now that the UK has left the EU.

Banksy #Brexit mural, showing a star being chiselled from the EU flag, mysteriously covered with white paint and scaffoldinghttps://t.co/cxcSap2GEK

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) August 25, 2019
View this post on Instagram

. Oh. I had planned that on the day of Brexit I was going to change the piece in Dover to this.. But seems they’ve painted over it. Nevermind. I guess a big white flag says it just as well.

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Sep 12, 2019 at 7:00am PDT

Transition Period - until 31 December 2020
​

You need to act now if you’re:
  • - importing goods from the EU 
  • - exporting goods to the EU
  • - moving goods to or from Northern Ireland
  • - travelling to the EU
  • - living and working in the EU
  • - staying in the UK if you’re an EU citizen
Get the complete list of what you need to do for you, your business and your family.

Brexit Transition Home Page
The Government's Brexit Transition website will be updating as and when required.
LOTS of NEW information has been released during January and February 2020 and subsequently.


CURRENT Customs Tariffs and Taxes
  • Works of art are currently zero-rated for tariffs.
  • Imports from the EU are not  subject to import tax. 
  • This may change
​
CURRENT Travel
  • If you are a UK citizen, you can continue to travel to the EU as usual during the transition period.

CURRENT Living and working in the EU
​
  • Check the guidance for all UK nationals living in the EU 
    • ​Living and working in an EU country depends on the rules in that country. ​
    • You may need to register or apply for residency.
    • You should check that you’re covered for healthcare.
    • You may also need to exchange your UK driving licence for a licence issued by the EU country where you live.
  • Check what you must do in the country where you live​
REFERENCE:
Policy Statements as press releases
  • The Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration - The Withdrawal Agreement is the UK and EU’s agreement on the UK leaving the EU. It shows the terms of the UK’s exit and sets out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and EU.
    • New Withdrawal Agreement (19 October 2019) PDF, 2.34MB, 541 pages
    • New Political Declaration (19 October 2019) PDF, 408KB, 31 pages
  • The future relationship between the UK and the EU - This statement sets out the Government’s proposed approach to the negotiations with the EU about our future relationship.
  • Government confirms plans to introduce import controls - The government has confirmed plans to introduce import controls on EU goods at the border after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.​
​All Transition Period Information
  • Brexit Transition | Gov UK - the main website
  • Services - including a lot of info about Settlement Schemes
  • Guidance and regulation  
  • News and communications
  • Research and statistics
  • Policy papers and consultations
  • Transparency and freedom of information releases
  • ​Contact the business Brexit helpline - Contact the helpline to get information to support your business now the UK has left the EU.
View this post on Instagram

. I entered an early version of this into the RA summer exhibition under the pseudonym Bryan S Gaakman - an anagram of 'banksy anagram'. It was refused. Then a month later I got a mail from the co-ordinator Grayson Perry asking me to submit something so I sent it again. It’s now hanging in gallery 3.

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Jun 11, 2018 at 8:30am PDT

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE
​

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE FOR ARTISTS
​

The Arts Council has been delegated to interpret Brexit for art organisations. As all other organisations tasked with providing advice, they are challenged by the fact that nothing is as yet clear.

However they do include guidance in the event of a "no deal" Brexit.

The topics covered by the EU Exit Guide are as follows:
  • Introduction
  • ​Organisations in receipt of EU Funding 
  • Freedom of movement, immigration & citizens' rights
  • Export, import and moving of objects
  • Data protection, copyright, broadcast & tech
  • Money, taxes and tax relief
​
some of the Government’s ‘no deal’ Brexit guidance which your organisation might find useful as you prepare. 
REFERENCE:
  • The transition period | Gov UK
  • Guidance for DCMS sectors during the transition period and after 1 January 2021 | Gov.UK 
  • Preparing for no deal Brexit if you work in arts and culture | Gov UK
  • EU Exit Guide | Arts Council - the official guide to implications for artists and art organisations. This will continue to be updated on a regular basis by the Arts Council so check back periodically or when having any transactions with the EU.
  • The Art of Brexit | British Council - a commentary on the numbers and value of the Arts in relation to Europe
  • Brexit. Links to key information | Creative Scotland
  • Brexit – what you need to know | Scottish Government
A recent (2016) Arts Council survey showed that most of their national portfolio organisations working internationally see Europe as their most important market: the EU makes up 59% of all international activity in the English arts sector
The Art of Brexit | British Council

Commentary relevant to artists and art organisations
​

By art newspapers and journals
  • Information about Brexit | Touring Artists 
    • British Council: Brexit library
  • What does Brexit mean for the UK's art industry? | Forge (November 2019)  identifies concerns about:
    • disruption at the ports in the event of no deal
    • extended delay in Customs increasing the chance of artwork being damaged
    • potential reduction in London's share of the art market
    • additional complexity and resources needed for loans for art exhibitions may mean smaller and fewer locan exhibition 
    • visitor numbers to museums and art galleries may drop
  • Brexit: what's next for the UK art market? | The Art Newspaper (January 2020)​ - comments extensively on the import and export of art and cultural goods between UK and Europe
  • Boris Johnson’s Brexit Delivery Has Calmed Financial Markets in the UK. But the Art World Is Still on Edge | artnet (January 2020)
  • Banksy’s message for Brexit Britain | FT (The Art Market) (January 2020)
“The UK’s museums sector is already in a fragile financial position after a decade of austerity and could struggle with the substantial financial losses that could arise from loss of earned income, philanthropy and public funding in the event of a no-deal Brexit.”
The Museums Association
By art organisations
  • Deal or no deal: Scottish arts survey looks at impact of Brexit  by Chris Sharratt | a-n
For now, many questions remain, and among the most common that collectors are asking Freya Stewart, CEO of art lending at the Fine Art Group, are: “Can I still move my art? What paperwork will be required? And might I be exposed to additional taxes or duties if I want to move art from the UK to Europe after the end of 2020?”
  • Boris Johnson’s Brexit Delivery Has Calmed Financial Markets in the UK. But the Art World Is Still on Edge | artnet (January 2020)
By artists
  • Artists for Brexit (Note: largely historical now) - a non-partisan voluntary association and network of artists, art workers and arts enthusiasts who support the process of securing independence for the UK. 

Expert Advice

Generic Advice by lawyers, accountants and tax experts

in development

Moving art from one country to another
​

(in development)
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It helps artists learn how to do better at being business-like, marketing and selling their art and looking after their financial security.
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  • Home
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    • Being a Professional artist >
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      • Artists Unions
    • Best Art Business Books
    • Learning Opportunities >
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      • How to photograph art
      • How To Scan Artwork
      • How to back up image files
    • Law for Artists >
      • Legal Matters
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      • Brexit Guidance for Art and Artists
    • Business Management for Artists >
      • Risk Management for Artists
      • How to spot Art Scams / Fraud
      • Life in an Art Market Recession
      • Coronavirus COVID-19 and Art
  • MARKETING
    • How to write an Artist's Statement >
      • What is an Artist Statement?
      • Why you need an Artist's Statement
      • TIPS How to write an artist statement
      • The Language of an Artist's Statement
      • What an artist statement should contain
      • Examples of Artists Statements
    • How to write an Artist's Resume or CV >
      • Social Media summaries
      • CV for Artists
      • Resume for Artists
      • Biography for Artists
    • How to sign a painting, drawing or fine art print
    • Business Cards for Artists
    • How to write a press release for an artist
    • The Private View Invitation
    • Publicity for Juried Exhibitions
    • Websites for Artists >
      • Why websites matter
      • Options for Websites
      • Web content for Artists
      • Web design for artists
      • Keeping Google Happy
      • Writing for the Web
    • Image & Video sizes for Social Media Sites
    • How to be mobile-friendly
  • SELL ART
    • Trading Law & Regulations for Artists (UK)
    • E-commerce for artists
    • Art Exhibitions & Competitions >
      • Juried Exhibitions & Art Competitions
      • Juried Art Exhibition Checklist for Artists
      • How to cost a juried exhibition entry
      • How to make labels for an art exhibition
    • A Guide to Art Agents and Consultants
    • A Guide to Art Dealers & Galleries >
      • How to find the right gallery
    • The Artist-run Gallery
    • The Vanity Gallery
    • Art Fairs
    • Alternative Options for Exhibitions
    • How to Sell Art from Home
    • Open Studios
  • FRAME ART
    • List of Recommended Picture Framers
    • Conservation Products
    • Framing for open exhibitions and art competitions
    • Framing Videos
    • How to hang a picture
  • SHIP ART
    • How to pack artwork >
      • How to pack and ship pastel paintings
    • Packaging materials
    • How to ship art internationally >
      • Rules of Origin
      • Export Licences for Cultural Goods
    • How to ship art to exhibitions
    • How to mail art - Post & Parcel Services
    • UK & Ireland: Art Transport Services
    • USA Art Transport Services
  • COPYRIGHT
    • Copyright and artists' rights
    • BASICS: Copyright Infringement and Fair Use
    • How to protect artwork online
    • How to do a reverse image search
    • What to do about copyright infringement - for artists
    • Global Conventions on copyright >
      • Copyright in the UK
      • Copyright in the USA
      • Copyright in Canada
      • Copyright in Australia
  • MONEY & TAX
    • How to work out profit from an art sale
    • How to Price Your Art >
      • How important is price when buying art?
      • Options for Pricing Art
      • Terminology and Formulas for Pricing Art
      • Art Experts on Pricing Art
      • How artists price their art
      • The price of affordable art
    • Payments to Artists >
      • Paying Artists
      • How to create an Invoice
    • VAT for Artists
    • Tax Tips for Artists >
      • Tax on prize money
      • UK Tax Tips for Artists
      • UK: Self-Assessment Video Tips
      • USA Tax Tips for Artists
      • Ireland: Tax for Artists
      • Australia: Tax Tips for Artists
    • Insurance for Art and Artists >
      • Insurance for Art Teachers
      • UK Insurance Policies for art and artists
      • USA & Canada: Insurance Policies for Art and Artists
    • Artists' Grants & Scholarships
    • Retirement and Pensions for Artists
    • The Art Legacy >
      • Estate Planning for Artists
      • Estate Planning for Art Collectors
      • Famous Artists Estates
      • Artwork Inventory
      • After the Death of an Artist
      • Copyright and Resale Rights after Death
      • Art and Inheritance Tax
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