HMRC offers support for EU trade changes

Following changes to the way we trade with the European Union (EU) coming into force on 1 January 2022, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is offering tailored guidance and one-to-one support to help businesses new to customs declarations and controls.

Businesses have done exceptionally well adapting to the new processes.

However, for those that haven’t yet had to make a declaration, or for those who are still getting to grips with the changes, HMRC has been working to ensure businesses are fully supported during their transition, providing regular webinars and videos as well as a dedicated helpline for queries.

Directors General of Borders and Trade, Sophie Dean and Katherine Green, said:

“The hard work put in by traders to prepare themselves for the changes has paid off with the majority of businesses adapting to the new processes and continuing to trade without any disruption at all.

“We do however recognise that the introduction of full customs controls is a significant change for some, whichiswhywearecontinuing to provide comprehensive support both through the Customs & International Trade helpline and jointly with representative bodies and the border industry.

“We would encourage anyone still struggling with the changes to contact our advisors so we can help them understand the new requirements.”

Since the beginning of the year, changes include:

requirement for full customs import declarations for all goods at the time they are brought into Great Britain (GB), except if they are noncontrolled goods imported from Ireland to GB

customs controls at all ports and other border locations. Goods may be directed to an Inland Border Facility (IBF) for documentary or physical checks if these checks cannot be done at the border

requirement for a suppliers’ declaration proving the origin of goods (either UK or EU) if using the zero tariffs agreed in the UK’s trade deal with the EU

changes to commodity codes, which are used to classify goods for customs declarations.

Additionally, anyone moving goods between GB and the EU through a Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) border location must be registered to use this service. GVMS is a new IT system that enables declaration references to be linked together so that the person moving the goods - such as a driver or a haulier - has to present just a single reference, the Goods Movement Reference (GMR). This single reference helps speed up the clearance of goods through customs.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/Brexit