If your business imports and exports with the EU you need to read this document and follow the steps outlines by HMRC. Steps advised by HMRC include registering for an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number , understanding the customs declaration process and ensuring you, your customs agent, or your freight forwarder, have the ability and capacity to handle new procedures relating to customs declarations, safety and security.
Full HMRC guidance can be found on gov.uk and HMRC have released the following statement:
Businesses that only trade in the EU and are registered with HMRC for VAT purposes will receive a copy of a letter through the post in the coming days.
The letter asks these businesses to take three actions now:
- register for a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
- decide whether they will use a customs agent to make import and/or export declarations or will make the declarations themselves using specialist software
- contact the organisation that moves their goods (for example, a haulage firm) to find out if they will need to supply additional information to complete safety and security declarations, or whether they will need to submit these declarations themselves.
The letter also directs businesses to GOV.UK where they can find further information to help them get ready. HMRC will write to these businesses again to let them know what further actions they will need to take and when.
Businesses that have questions or need further advice on this should contact the Chamber International Trade Team on 02476 654321 (option 4) or [email protected]