HMRC have published their latest letter directed at UK businesses that trade only with the EU, with details of actions to take and changes to be aware of in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
It should be noted that these changes do not apply to trade across the Northern Ireland-Ireland land border. HMRC will set out information about the arrangements for trading with Ireland as soon as they can.
Registering for an EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification number):
- HMRC guidance, including how to register for an EORI number, can be found here.
- In the event that the UK exits the EU without a deal, from 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019, many UK businesses will need to apply the same processes to EU trade that apply when trading (goods) with the rest of the world by having an EORI number.
- You need a UK EORI number to:
Trade goods into or out of the UK.
Apply to be authorised for customs simplifications.
- If you plan to continue to trade with the EU after 29 March 2019, and you do not already have an EORI number, you should register for one now.
Decide if you want to hire an agent to make import and/or export declarations for you or if you want to make these declarations yourself (by buying software that interacts with HMRC’s systems).
If you want to:
- Declare through a (customs) agent, contact one to find out what information they’ll need from you.
- Use software to make declarations yourself, talk to a software provider to make sure that their product meets your needs, depending on whether you import, export or both.
- More information can be found here.
Registering for Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP):
- This is a new process to make importing easier for the initial period after the UK leaves the EU, should there be no deal.
- Registration for this is now open and guidance can be found here.
- To register you need to have an EORI number and provide your VAT number (if applicable), business name and UK address and contact details.
- The registration link is here.
- Currently, under import processes for trading with the rest of the world, goods are not released from customs control until you make a full import declaration and pay the duty owed in full.
- HMRC has put in place these transitional simplified procedures to make it easier to import goods from the EU using roll on roll off locations like Dover or the Channel Tunnel.
Some more specified guidance has been released on the following:
- Customs procedures if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
- Moving goods to and from the EU through roll on roll off ports or the Channel Tunnel.
- VAT IT system rules and processes if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Finally, a “Prepare your business for the UK leaving the EU” tool has been published that will help businesses to find out:
- what they need to do to prepare for the UK leaving the EU
- what’s changing in their industry
- information on specific rules and regulations.
All businesses need to do is answer 7 simple questions to get guidance relevant to them and their sector. You can access the tool here.
If you have any queries about how any of these changes might affect your business please get in touch with websters via your account manager.