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It has been nearly a decade since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. While Brexit came into effect in 2020, this decision has resulted in one of the biggest shifts in European geopolitics today.
In 2025, however, conversations began to emerge about a potential “Brexit reset,” with policymakers exploring ways to improve cooperation between the UK and the EU. Now the question is: what will remain the same, and what could change regarding global trade?
A Recap: Brexit and Trade
Brexit: Brexit refers to the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU, which officially came into effect on 31 January 2020.
Its impact continues to shape post-Brexit trade and the movement of goods between the UK and the EU.
Before Brexit, goods could move freely between the UK and the EU, with minimal customs checks and paperwork. However, since leaving the EU’s single market and customs union, cross-border trade has become significantly more complex.
Export licences have become mandatory for a range of goods. Depending on what a business imports or exports, companies may need permits such as an Open General Export Licence, a Standard Individual Export Licence, or an Open Individual Export Licence. Securing the correct licence is just one of the many additional hurdles businesses now face.
In addition, businesses trading with the UK must obtain a UK Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which is distinct from EU-issued EORI numbers. Without a valid UK EORI number, shipments can face delays, increased costs, or even rejection at customs.
While free trade agreements between the EU and the UK are in place, significant non-tariff barriers remain. As a result, trading between the two regions has become more time-consuming and complex, requiring additional documentation, checks, and regulatory compliance. Some studies even suggest that UK goods exports are around 30% lower than they might have been if the UK had remained in the EU.
Why Talk of a “Brexit Reset” Now?
Recent political and economic developments have reignited discussion about improving the UK’s economic relationship with the EU and what a potential Brexit reset could mean for trade.
Although the return to EU membership is not currently on the table, policymakers have begun discussing ways to reduce trade friction and strengthen economic cooperation.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stated that closer economic integration with the EU represents a “big prize” for economic growth.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has referenced the possibility of a “Brexit reset”, which could involve closer regulatory alignment in several key areas, including:
- Food and agriculture
- Product regulations
- Security and defence
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The aim is not to reverse Brexit, but rather to make post-Brexit trade smoother by reducing regulatory barriers and simplifying the trade process between the UK and the EU.
However, significant debate remains over what a reset would entail and how far both sides are willing to go. There is still considerable uncertainty about what this Brexit reset will actually look like.
For now, the future direction of UK-EU relations remains unknown, and we are keeping a close eye on any regulatory changes surrounding a Brexit reset that could impact global trade.
Navigate Post-Brexit Trade with Confidence
While the UK-EU relationship continues to evolve, businesses must still operate within the regulatory framework that shapes post-Brexit trade.
For companies importing technology between the EU and UK, this means navigating:
- Complex customs requirements
- Strict compliance regulations
- Extensive documentation
Managing these processes can be challenging, especially for businesses shipping high-value tech across borders. This is where an Importer of Record (IOR) becomes critical.
TecEx will:
- Ensure full compliance
- Manage customs documents
- Reduce risk of delays
- Create smooth and efficient cross-border movements.
As the UK-EU relationship continues to develop and discussions around a potential Brexit reset continue, having a trusted compliance partner enables businesses to adapt quickly and keep their supply chains moving without delay.
