As the Brexit deadline draws ever closer, there is a possibility that the UK will be leaving the EU on 29th March without a deal. In this scenario, there would be immediate changes to the procedures that apply to businesses training with EU countries. More specifically, free circulation and the movement of goods between the UK and the EU would end.
In preparation for Brexit, we highly recommend that businesses ensure that both they and their customers are fully equipped. Below we outline steps your business can take to ensure you are Brexit ready:
Exporting steps prior to Brexit
> Apply for an EORI Number with HMRC.
> Apply for a Deferment account (DAN) to pay any duty or VAT that is necessary; you would need this if you want to apply for TSP or CFSP (detailed below).
> Know the commodity code for your goods, duty rate will be applied to the code chosen.
> Check to see if a license is required for your goods.
> Apply for TSP (Transitional Simplified Procedures) to avoid delays on UK imports.
Check whether you can use any of the customs simplified procedures. We recommend that you encourage all your customers to apply for TSP as soon as possible. For either of the below procedures, access to a deferment account will be needed:
Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP)
Transitional Simplified Procedures are simple measures HMRC is putting in place to make importing from the EU using roll on roll (RORO) off locations, like Dover, Newhaven or the Channel Tunnel etc., easier for you until at least July 2020. If you register for transitional simplified procedures, you will be able to transport your goods into the UK without having to make a full customs declaration in advance. You will also be able to postpone paying your duties and VAT.
If you’re importing controlled goods (controlled goods are goods that require a license to import or excise goods like alcohol or tobacco) from the EU and want to use TSP you will need to use the controlled goods procedure.
Customs Freight Simplified Procedures (CFSP)
HMRC must authorise you to use the Customs Freight Simplified Procedure. If you have not already applied for this, it’s unlikely you will get authorisation before 29 March 2019. There are 2 types of CFSP authorisation:
- The Simplified Declaration Procedure (SDP) – used for releasing goods at the frontier to most customs procedures and which may be useful if you’re importing perishable goods.
- Entry in the Declarant’s records (EIDR), formerly known as Local Clearance Procedure (LCP) – a declaration is made in the Trader’s records rather than directly to HMRC releasing them to a customs procedure.
If you register for CFSP, you will gain accelerated release of your goods from Customs, delay payment of duty and Import VAT until the Supplementary Declaration (SD) is submitted as well as electronically submitting frontier and supplementary declarations.
Decide if you can handle the Customs Safety & Security Declarations in house or with a third party, we can support you and handle these for you whether it an Export or an Import.
What is Grace Overseas doing to prepare?
- EORI – We have an Economic Operator Registration & Identification Number.
- We are AEO registered – this is an internationally recognised quality accreditation that gives quicker access to some simplified customs procedures.
- Continual staff training enabling us to assist with any Customs needs.
Want to know more?
Click on the links below to find out more about government guidance for no-Brexit importing and exporting.
If you have any further questions, please contact a member of our expert team who are more than happy to guide you through the tricky waters of post-Brexit freight forwarding.
