Customs and Excise has sent letters to traders, freight, transport and cargo companies advising of actions they need to take now as the risk of a no-deal Brexit grows.

Sandra Skuszka, collector of Isle of Man Customs and Excise, has contacted all Isle of Man businesses who may be affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on March 29.

She sets out three actions they need to take now to get ready for the unlikely event of the UK crashing out without a deal.

Ms Skuszka says: ’This letter is being sent to you because you import and/or export goods with the EU.

’If the United Kingdom leaves the EU without a deal, on March 29, 2019, there would be immediate changes to the way you trade with businesses in the EU.’

She said that the Manx government will continue to plan for both deal and no-deal scenarios but businesses should also prepare for both outcomes.

There are three actions the businesses need to take now including registering for a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

An EORI number is needed to continue to import or export goods with the EU after March 29, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

It’s also needed before businesses can apply for authorisations that will make customs processes easier. More details about applying for these will be given early next year.

Businesses that trade with Europe must also decide if they want to hire an agent to make import and export declarations.

If so, they will need to contact an agent to find out what information they need.

If they decide to make declarations themselves they can buy software that interacts with HMRC’s systems.

Businesses are also being urged to contact the haulage firm that moves their goods to supply extra information so they can make safety and security declarations for goods.

For more information on these changes, go to www.gov.uk/hmrc/declare-goods