The Federation of Small Business ( FSB ) has urged the UK government to act on EU legislation requiring small and medium - sized firms ( SMEs ) outside the bloc to have an " authorised economic operator " operating in the single market , if they wish to continue trading post - Brexit . The UK estimated the move , which may be implemented by 2021 , could cost SMEs at least £ ##500 ( $ 1,955 ) for each product category they deal in , calling it a " massive barrier to trade " . The US Congressional EU Caucus warned the proposal would " unduly and disproportionally " disadvantage SME manufacturers and resellers to the EU .
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged the UK government to act on EU proposals requiring small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) outside the bloc to have an "authorised economic operator" based in the single market, if they wish to continue trading post-Brexit. The FSB estimated the move, which may be implemented by 2021, could cost SMEs at least £1,500 ($1,955) for each product category they deal in, calling it a "massive barrier to trade". The US Congressional EU Caucus warned the proposal would "unduly and disproportionally" disadvantage SME manufacturers and resellers to the EU.