UK Customs Declarations: Upcoming Changes

Upcoming Changes to the UK’s Simplified Customs and Export Declaration Processes

To streamline the customs and export declaration processes for businesses, HMRC announces significant updates to the Simplified Customs Declaration Process (SCDP) and Simplified Export Declaration Process (SEDP) coming into effect in May 2024. These changes, inspired by industry feedback, aim to provide businesses with additional time for submissions and enhanced flexibility in declaration aggregations.

Executive Summary

In May 2024, HMRC will introduce updates to the UK's Simplified Customs and Export Declaration Processes, extending the Duty Deferment Account (DDA) payment deadline to the 16th calendar day and introducing an option for monthly aggregation of supplementary declarations. These changes, driven by feedback from a 2022 industry consultation, aim to provide businesses with more flexibility and time for managing customs declarations. Updated guidance will be available in mid-April 2024, ensuring businesses are well-informed on how to apply these adjustments. This initiative demonstrates HMRC's commitment to enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of customs and export processes for the UK's business community.

Table of Content

1. Title

2. Executive Summary

3. Introduction

4. Background

5. Main Points

6. Conclusion

7. Recommendations

Introduction

The UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is set to introduce pivotal modifications to the Simplified Customs Declaration Process (SCDP) and the Simplified Export Declaration Process (SEDP) in May 2024. This announcement comes as a strategic response to the valuable insights gathered from a comprehensive call for evidence in 2022, focusing on improving operational efficiencies and accommodating the business community’s needs more effectively.

Background

The initiative to revise the SCDP and SEDP protocols was propelled by a call for evidence conducted in 2022, which solicited feedback from businesses and stakeholders within the border industry. The consensus highlighted a demand for extended timelines for declaration submissions and a greater scope for aggregation flexibility, underpinning the forthcoming changes.

Main Points

1. Extended Submission Deadlines: Businesses will benefit from an extension in the Duty Deferment Account (DDA) payment deadlines for all Customs Declaration Service (CDS) users, shifting from the 15th to the 16th calendar day of each month. This adjustment aims to alleviate the time pressures currently faced by businesses in meeting declaration requirements.

2. Flexible Aggregation Options: The introduction of an option for monthly aggregation of supplementary declarations represents a significant shift towards offering businesses more leeway in managing their declaration obligations. This move is expected to streamline operations and enhance logistical efficiencies across the board.

3. Updated Guidance: To facilitate these changes, GOV.UK will refresh its guidance in mid-April 2024, including comprehensive details on how businesses can apply for the new monthly aggregation option, ensuring clarity and accessibility of information.

Conclusion

The modifications to the SCDP and SEDP underscore HMRC’s commitment to fostering a more business-friendly customs and export environment. By extending declaration deadlines and introducing more flexible aggregation options, HMRC is addressing key areas of concern for businesses engaged in international trade, marking a significant step towards simplifying the customs and export processes.

Recommendation

Review the Upcoming Changes: Businesses should start by thoroughly reviewing the details of the changes to the Simplified Customs Declaration Process (SCDP) and Simplified Export Declaration Process (SEDP) announced by HMRC for May 2024. Understanding these updates is crucial for assessing their impact on your business operations and planning accordingly.

Consult Updated Guidance: In mid-April 2024, HMRC will update its guidance on GOV.UK to include new details on the application process for monthly aggregation among other changes. It's important for businesses to consult this updated guidance as soon as it's available.

Contact Experts for Support: Navigating changes in customs and export processes can be challenging. Therefore, seeking advice from experts, such as the team at Customs Manager Ltd, can provide you with the support and clarity needed to adapt to these changes smoothly.

Participate in Training: To further support your understanding and implementation of the updated customs and export processes, participating in training sessions can be highly beneficial.

Schedule a Free Call: For businesses looking for more direct support or who have specific questions, scheduling a free consultation call with Customs Manager Ltd via their website www.customsmanager.org is a recommended step.

By following these recommendations, businesses can ensure they are well-prepared for the changes to the SCDP and SEDP, facilitating a smooth transition and maintaining compliance with UK customs regulations..