Time for final preparations for life outside EU, UK tells firms

Even with a deal, companies will have to navigate customs checks and new rules at the border after Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pic) early on ruled out staying in the EU's customs union

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Britain's government is urging businesses to make final preparations for a new trading relationship with the EU from Jan. 1, saying a new centre to monitor goods will help ease what it described as "short-term disruption" after Brexit.

With just a month to go before the end of the Brexit transition period, the government reminded exporters and importers that, with or without a trade deal, they must get ready for new paperwork and procedures at the border when the UK leaves the European Union's single market and customs union.