Brexit at 10: A Decade of Change for Trade
- Annkaren Wambui
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
🔓 Ten years after the Brexit referendum, the consequences for trade and customs are still unfolding. What lessons have businesses learned, and what could the next chapter in UK-EU relations mean for traders?
SUMMARY: Ten years after the Brexit referendum, businesses are still adapting to the customs and trade consequences of the UK's decision to leave the European Union. From Rules of Origin and customs declarations to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the Windsor Framework, Brexit transformed how businesses move goods across borders. As the UK and EU prepare for the 2026 review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, what lessons can traders learn from the last decade? |
Why Was Brexit Such A Big Deal?
On 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union after more than four decades of membership.
The referendum produced one of the most consequential political and economic decisions in modern British history. Around 52% of voters supported leaving the EU, while 48% voted to remain.
Few could have predicted just how profoundly the decision would reshape customs, trade, logistics, and supply chains over the following decade.
For businesses involved in international trade, Brexit represented far more than a political event.
It fundamentally changed how goods moved between the UK and the EU.
What Changed After Brexit?
The UK's formal departure from the European Union on 31 January 2020 marked the beginning of a new trading relationship.
Businesses suddenly faced:
Customs declarations.
Rules of Origin requirements.
VAT changes.
Border formalities.
SPS controls.
New compliance obligations.
Supply chain disruptions.
For many companies, trading with Europe no longer felt like domestic commerce.
It became international trade.
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement Changed The Conversation
The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which came into force in 2021, prevented tariffs and quotas on most goods.
However, preferential treatment was not automatic.
Businesses had to understand:
Rules of Origin.
Supplier declarations.
Origin statements.
Customs valuation.
Record keeping requirements.
Many businesses discovered that zero tariffs did not necessarily mean zero complexity.
What Lessons Have Businesses Learned?
Over the last decade, several lessons have become clear.
Visibility Matters
Businesses need to understand their supply chains.
Documentation Matters
Compliance increasingly depends on accurate records.
Customs Is A Strategic Function
Trade compliance is no longer just an operational issue.
Resilience Matters
Diversification and flexibility have become competitive advantages.
Preparation Matters
Businesses that prepare early often avoid expensive surprises.
What Could The 2026 Review Mean?
The UK and EU are now preparing to review the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Many businesses are watching developments closely.
Potential areas of discussion include:
SPS arrangements.
Customs cooperation.
Border procedures.
Simplifications.
Regulatory alignment.
While no one can predict the future, one thing is clear:
Trade relationships continue to evolve.
Final Thoughts
Brexit changed the way Britain trades.
Some consequences were anticipated.
Others were not.
Ten years later, customs, trade compliance, and supply chain resilience have become boardroom issues rather than back-office functions.
Perhaps that is one of the biggest lessons Brexit has taught us:
Trade matters.
And understanding trade matters even more.
Sources
Encyclopaedia Britannica
UK Government
European Commission
House of Commons Library
House of Commons Library
Ten years after the referendum, this special commentary reflects on how Brexit reshaped customs, trade, and supply chains. The discussion explores the realities businesses faced, the challenges of operating outside the European Union, and the lessons that may help traders prepare for the next chapter in UK-EU relations.
Enjoy the video below.
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#Brexit #BrexitAt10 #UKTrade #CustomsCompliance #InternationalTrade #TradeCompliance #SupplyChain #ImportExport #RulesOfOrigin #CustomsManager
Author:
Annkaren Wambui | Growth Partner at Customs Manager Ltd.
Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please consult a customs specialist regarding your specific compliance obligations.
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