As the global pandemic has dominated the news headlines for so many months, Brexit seems 'so last year'. And if it feels like little has changed, that's because both sides agreed many things would stay the same for 11 months, to allow leaders time to agree a deal for life after Brexit. Well covid-aside, time runs out on 31 December 2020.
Deal or no deal, businesses trading with the EU (and EU with the UK), need to be ready.
What can you do now?
With regards to Sage 200 changes, as a result of Brexit, there are several things that it is likely you will need to do, that we can help with if required.
Some of these include:
- The commodity code and country of origin fields will need to be populated in your stock module. If you are unable to access the country of origin field you will need to upgrade to the latest version of Sage
- EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) will likely need to be added to all customer and suppliers. Versions of Sage 200 from 2019 R1 have an analysis code import as standard.
- Document Layouts will need to be amended to allow for all of the above as well as specific information required for Irish exports. This may also involve amendments to Spindle backdrops if you utilise that software for your documents.
What do I need to consider on January 1st?
Due to the nature of the change, there are some tasks that you simply will not be able to do prior to January 1st.
The following tasks could, potentially, be required within Sales and Purchase ledger but also within Sales and Purchase order processing for live orders (including part shipped/received transactions).
- Customer and Supplier default VAT codes will need to be updated
- On open Sales Orders, the VAT code will need to be amended for any lines that have yet to be fully despatched
- On open Purchase Orders, the VAT code will need to be amended for any lines that have yet to be fully received
As previously mentioned, the Brexit process is very much a fluid situation and there may be more requirements and considerations which emerge prior to the 1st January date.
We will, of course, provide more information as the situation requires or as we receive it directly from Sage.
We are already receiving multiple requests from our clients to make changes to their Sage 200 system and are also now taking bookings for the new year to assist with the multiple Account and transactional changes that will be required. Please contact us directly to get your query answered, and we will continue to update this page as and when more information is released.
Update: 01/12/2020
Sage 200cloud Professional update will be available to download from 22 December. Including updates to the product to support the UK transition from the EU. This vitally is a Sage Partner install - please contact your Account Manager for assistance.
Update: 09/12/2020
Sage Advise article handling Brexit Customs & VAT
Update: 15/12/2020
Sage has just released updated content on their Brexit Hub(s), with a version for both UK businesses & Ireland.
As a UK business and experts in compliance and legislation for almost 40 years, Sage are committed to providing a single place to access the very best information on Brexit, the impact this may have, and how to best prepare for January 1st 2021. The hub(s) bring together UK government resources, experts in Sage, product support and other key areas helping you get ready for the end of the Brexit transition period.