Mubasher: The European Union (EU) on Monday informed small businesses that they would face more bureaucracy and costs if the UK leaves the bloc without a deal.

Checks on the movement of goods between the EU and the UK would be implemented immediately in case of a no-deal Brexit, Reuters reported citing economy commissioner Pierre Moscovici as saying.

“This is key to protecting [the EU’s] consumers and [its] internal market. A lot depends on the ability of businesses trading with the UK to get up to speed with the customs rules that will apply on day one in case of no deal,” Moscovici added in a statement.

Firms dealing with the UK must brace for customs formalities and duties, along with considering the need for import and export licences, the top official noted.

With the approval of the EU-UK withdrawal agreement stalling in the British Parliament, risks of a no-deal Brexit are continuously growing, particularly with only 39 days left for the UK to leave the EU.

Talks will be held between both sides on Monday to solve the stalemate, while UK prime minister Theresa May likely to be at the EU’s political hub within the coming days.