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Navigating the Latest Tariff Suspensions Under the Customs Tariff (Suspension of Import Duty Rates) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. Latest Update 09.12.2023

The Tariff Suspension Document provides a description of "specified goods" It lists the goods that are subject to a suspension of the applicable import duty rate.

Streamlined UK Transit Policy: What You Need to Know. Date of last update 09.12.2023

Streamlining International Trade: An Overview of December 2023 UK Customs Simplification Measures Contents Introducing a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries Simplifying customs declarations Strategic review of Temporary Admission Modernising Authorisations Changes to Customs Guarantees for Special Procedures, Temporary Storage and Duty Deferment Transit policy simplifications The government has set out the next steps on a package of measures to simplify customs import and export processes for traders, while upholding the UK’s high regulatory and security standards at the border. This publication provides more detail on each of the measures. This work reflects views of traders and the border industry, gathered through a detailed programme of engagement launched after Spring Budget 2023. The government would like to thank respondents for the comprehensive feedback they provided, which has been considered in detail. The government has also published a number of response documents for measures that were the subject of formal consultation or call for evidence. Introducing a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries At Spring Budget 2023, the government announced that it would consult on the introduction of a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries. 99% of traders use an intermediary to support them with their customs declarations. A response to the consultation has now been published. The government will proceed to develop a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries. The government believe that the standard should be co-designed with industry, through a comprehensive and credible process to ensure maximum effectiveness. Responses to the consultation overwhelmingly agreed with these principles. The government therefore intends to work with the British Standards Institution, the UK’s national standards body, to develop a robust standard that is suitable for certification. This process will begin in Spring 2024, and we welcome continued constructive engagement with industry throughout. Introducing a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries - consultation and summary of responses. Simplifying customs declarations Following a call for evidence announced at Spring Budget 2023, the government will simplify customs declarations for both imports and exports by reducing the number of data fields traders have to complete by up to a quarter, decreasing the burdens that these declarations impose on UK business and trade while ensuring key government priorities at the border are delivered. The government will maintain an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders on the timeline for implementing these changes and continue to draw on the responses received to the call for evidence to deliver maximum benefits for traders of all sizes. This dialogue will include considering the wider role that technology can play as part of HMRC and wider government border transformation programs. The future of customs declarations - call for evidence and summary of responses. Strategic review of Temporary Admission Temporary Admission is important for many sectors including the arts, sport and tourism as it allows goods to be imported temporarily without paying import duties. The government is exploring options to simplify and improve the Temporary Admission procedure available for individuals and businesses to help reduce the administrative burden on traders and facilitate movement of imported goods to support wider economic activity. Responses to a call for evidence launched earlier this year confirmed that there is likely to be scope to improve eligibility criteria, conditions of use and timing requirements either across the board or in respect of specific sectors. We will engage further with stakeholders on improvements to Temporary Admission in early 2024. Bringing goods into the UK temporarily - call for evidence and summary of responses. Modernising Authorisations As announced at Spring Budget 2023, the Modernising Authorisations project will streamline and digitise the government’s customs and excise authorisation processes. HMRC’s offer to traders will be improved by streamlining the number of customs authorisation processes from 42 standalone authorisations to 5 customs groups.Since Spring Budget 2023, we have: reviewed authorisation application forms systematically, delivering a 30% reduction in questions asked during the application process - this will improve the experience and reduce the administrative burden of applying for authorisations worked with industry partners to co-design Modernising Authorisations policy and delivery proposals, including new processes for authorisation reviews and renewals and testing our “once and done” authorisation data approach We will now: update and introduce new authorisation guidance as part of the delivery of Modernising Authorisations -introduce legislation in 2024 to deliver these changes continue to co-design Modernising Authorisations with industry, making sure the new system meets the needs of traders The project will commence delivery of a new customer portal in 2024 and plans to conclude delivery in 2025. Changes to Customs Guarantees for Special Procedures, Temporary Storage and Duty Deferment The government will make changes later in 2024 to allow more traders to access customs procedures which allow them to delay duty payment without a requirement to pay for a financial guarantee.  We will also make it easier to apply for guarantee waivers. When the changes are put in place, guarantees will not be required from approved traders for duty deferment accounts below £30,000, tripling from £10,000. This could save thousands of deferment users up to £2,800 each annually and improve their access to working capital. Guarantees will only be required from a small minority of traders authorised for special procedures and temporary storage. Transit policy simplifications Following extensive engagement with businesses, the government is announcing 3 improvements to the transit process to make it simpler, cheaper and more accessible. From 7 December 2023, authorised consignees will no longer be required to physically unload goods at their approved locations to end a transit movement, providing the movement originated at an authorised consignor’s approved location and the goods were moved under a seal From 7 December 2023, we will remove the requirement to submit an export declaration when goods under transit are loaded onto ships, trains or planes in GB for use or consumption on board, providing evidence of the goods leaving GB is retained In 2024, as part of the Modernising Authorisations project, the government will introduce a simple digital process to allow authorised consignors to quickly and easily add a client’s premises to their authorisation to start transit movements from these locations. This process will make clear the terms and conditions that will apply to these locations. Further information on this will be published in the new year. Business engagement will continue on two additional transit simplifications. These focus on making it easier for authorised consignors to access customs comprehensive guarantee cost reductions, and easier to start transit movements from their approved locations when departing from a number of our major ports. 4-In-1 Support Services: How to get more support 1. Customs & Global Trade Updates (Fee Subscription): www.customsmanager.info 2. Customs & Global Trade Consultancy & Advice (Free First Call): https://www.customsmanager.org/consultancy 3. Customs & Global Trade Training & Education: https://www.customsmanager.org/education-training 4. Compliant & efficient UK Customs Clearance: https://www.customsmanager.org/customs-agent Connect with us on socials LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/customs-manager-ltd/ X: @customsmanager YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CustomsManagerLtd Get in Touch · Website: www.customsmanager.org · E-Mail: info@customsmanager.org About Customs Manager’s Customs & Global Trade Intelligence Services The Premium Professional Legislative Monitoring Service (PLM) is a research and curation service which checks for legislative updates from official government websites based on the selected jurisdictions and topics. Paid Plan subscribers can access regular law change notifications to ensure they never miss a significant legal change on www.customsmanager.info – a website dedicated to customs & trade intelligence. At the same time, they save valuable time by engaging our dedicated trade specialists to carry the monitoring out for them. Premium subscribers also unlock all content on the Customs Manager’s Ltd. website, including our Customs & Trade Blog on www.customsmanager.info , providing vital thought leadership development services to empower them to trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly, across borders. Premium Subscribers can add jurisdictions and topics for an additional charge. About Customs Manager Ltd. We aim to empower people with import, export and transport responsibilities with helpful advice, insightful training and relevant trade intelligence services. We devote all our passion and energy to helping businesses grow faster cross-border. Working with us means having your own multilingual Customs Manager on standby to help you trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly wherever you want to go. Includes Brexit support and the ability to lodge customs declarations and making sense of rules of origin, customs classification and customs valuation to make but a few. Important Notice Customs Manager Ltd. owns the copyright in this document, except for external documents and links we refer to or make available. You are not allowed to use this information in any way that infringes its intellectual property rights. You may have to hold a valid licence to use this information. A licence can be obtained by becoming a Paid Plan subscriber to the Customs Managers’ Customs & Trade Intelligence service, also known as Professional Legislative Monitoring (PLM). As a Paid Plan subscriber, you may download and print this information which you may then use, copy or reproduce for your internal non-profit-making purposes. However, you are not permitted to use, copy or reproduce this information to profit or gain. In addition, you must not sell or distribute this information to third parties, not members of your organisation, whether for monetary payment or otherwise. This information is intended to serve as general guidance and not constitute legal advice. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. This information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking action, consult a Customs Manager Ltd. professional. In no circumstances will Customs Manager Ltd be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information contained within this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Introducing a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries - summary of responses from the consultation. The UK government aims to create the most effective border in the world by simplifying processes for traders, improving security and biosecurity, and embracing innovation. Customs intermediaries assist traders in moving goods across borders and are crucial in facilitating trade. The government recognises their value but has received mixed feedback on the quality of service provided. Consultations have been held to encourage improvements in the quality and standards of the intermediary sector, including a voluntary standard that could distinguish between the quality of providers. Overarching views Respondents showed support for the government's plan to improve customs intermediary sector standards. Many agreed with introducing a voluntary standard to set a benchmark, drive good practice, and improve quality in the sector. Respondents highlighted the need to keep costs reasonable. A few suggested a mandatory regime, but most still endorsed a voluntary standard. Some tax stakeholders also supported a voluntary standard and recommended considering how it would interact with existing standards for tax agents. Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status Authorised Economic Operator Customs Simplification (AEO(C)) is an authorization available to traders and customs intermediaries. AEO holders are fully tax compliant, keep good customs records, have financial solvency, and practical experience in customs matters. It offers faster application processes, a reduction in guarantees and deferment accounts, and fewer customs checks. A voluntary standard for customs intermediaries would signify a mark of excellence, focused on providing clarity on best practices across essential areas, including customs knowledge, customer service, and staff development. The government concludes that AEO(C) and a voluntary standard can work together, but a standard solely for customs intermediaries is necessary. Objective of a voluntary standard The survey respondents suggested that educating intermediaries and traders is important, and the standard should promote quality and consistency among customs intermediaries. The standard should be suitable for independent third-party certification to provide assurance, credibility, and consistency. While some felt that HMRC should be responsible for certification, others disagreed due to the potential cost and the ability of certification bodies to assess the diverse intermediary population. The majority agreed that certification bodies should be independently assessed and accredited to ensure impartiality and consistency of certification. Based on the feedback, the government believes that the standard's primary objective should be to promote quality and consistency. The standard should be designed to be suitable for independent confirmation that intermediaries meet it (certification), and UKAS should be responsible for assessing certification bodies. Design and implementation Most survey participants agreed a voluntary standard should be created through a credible and collaborative approach involving the government and stakeholders. However, some were skeptical about its effectiveness due to existing standards, varying business models, and ambiguity around the design process. Suggestions to encourage usage included promotion, guidance, training, and official recognition. Certification could confer privilege or incentive, and intermediaries who achieve certification could be publicly listed. Other suggestions included marketability, reliance on market forces, and distinguishing between the voluntary standard and existing standards. The government believes a credible and collaborative approach is necessary to design a standard that is freely accessible and achievable for all customs intermediaries providing a good-quality service. Content Most respondents supported the proposed content elements with the need for further clarification, refinement, and flexibility. Several existing standards were suggested for consideration. Suggestions for additional content included focusing on intermediaries’ error/correction ratios, supporting environmental sustainability, and a modular approach. Other suggestions included a transparent fee structure, a recommended timeframe for correcting errors, staff retention rates, digital literacy, data privacy requirements, ethical practices, and collaboration with customs authorities. Concerns were raised about the potential cost and burden of adhering to the standard, especially for smaller intermediaries. Questions were also raised on the practicality, levels and measurement of commitments to continuing professional development, and the type and availability of insurance cover that would be expected. Training and educational offerings for the customs intermediary sector Intermediaries use external training to keep up with changing trends and regulations, cover topics they can't facilitate in-house, and obtain customs qualifications. However, some find external training too general or costly. Most intermediaries provide internal training that is tailored to their business needs. While some prefer internal training, most find both internal and external training beneficial and suggest combining the two. There is no consensus on whether there are currently sufficient training offerings available, but most suggest ways to reference competency and education within a voluntary standard. The government intends to reflect the valuable and diverse types of training and educational offerings in the standard, incorporating both formal training and on-the-job experience. Next steps The government has decided to introduce a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries, considering the feedback received from stakeholders during the consultation. The government intends to work with the British Standards Institution to develop a strong and credible standard suitable for certification, in partnership with industry. The process will begin in Spring 2024 and will involve public consultation. List of consultation questions Question 1: What type of business are you? (such as clothes retailer, car manufacturer, freight forwarder, fast parcel operator, haulier) Question 2: What is the size of your business? (Micro: 0 to 9 employees, small: 9 to 49 employees, medium: 50 to 249 employees, large: 250 or more employees) Question 3: If applicable, how many movements do you make per year? Are they imports, exports, or both? Question 4: If applicable, how long has your business been importing or exporting goods, or supporting traders to import/export if you are an intermediary? Question 5: Do you agree that the primary objective of a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries should be to promote quality and consistency among customs intermediaries with an indication of quality, rather than to predominantly inform and educate? If not, what do you consider should be its primary objective, and why? Question 6: Do you agree that a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries should be suitable for independent, third-party verification that the standard has been met, in other words, certification? If not, what alternative form do you think the standard should take, and why? Question 7: Do you think certification bodies that provide that external verification should themselves be checked to ensure they are capable of assessing conformity to the standard, in other words, accreditation? Please provide details to explain your answer. Question 8: Do you agree with the key principles for the design and implementation of a standard as set out above (in other words a credible, collaborative approach between government and stakeholders, freely and readily accessible, monitored for usage and effectiveness)? Question 9: In your view, how could usage of the standard be encouraged? Question 10: What are your views on the above suggested components of the voluntary standard? Please include any suggestions for potential specific requirements within these general areas. Question 11: Should any of the suggested components not be included? Question 12: Are there any areas missing that you feel should be included? Question 13: Do you anticipate any unintended consequences arising from including any of the suggested content? Question 14: Do you envisage any issues with measuring against these areas for the purposes of certifying intermediaries against this standard? Question 15: If you are an intermediary, do you or your organisation use external training offerings? Please provide details to explain why/why not. Question 16: If you are an intermediary, do you or your organisation provide internal training? Please provide details to explain why/why not. Question 17: If you answered ‘yes’ to Question 15 or Question 16, what aspects of your work do you use external and/or internal training for? If you use both external and internal training, please explain if you use them for different aspects of your work (such as external training on customs processes, but internal training on using CDS). Question 18: If you answered ‘yes’ to both Question 15 and Question 16, have you found either external or internal training to be more beneficial to your day-to-day work? Question 19: Do you think there are currently sufficient, adequate training offerings available to intermediaries? Please provide details to explain why/why not. Question 20: Considering the training and qualifications available to and undertaken by intermediaries, how do you think competence or education should be referenced within a voluntary standard? Please provide details to explain your answer. 4-In-1 Support Services: How to get more support 1. Customs & Global Trade Updates (Fee Subscription): www.customsmanager.info 2. Customs & Global Trade Consultancy & Advice (Free First Call): https://www.customsmanager.org/consultancy 3. Customs & Global Trade Training & Education: https://www.customsmanager.org/education-training 4. Compliant & efficient UK Customs Clearance: https://www.customsmanager.org/customs-agent Connect with us on socials LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/customs-manager-ltd/ X: @customsmanager YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CustomsManagerLtd Get in Touch · Website: www.customsmanager.org · E-Mail: info@customsmanager.org About Customs Manager’s Customs & Global Trade Intelligence Services The Premium Professional Legislative Monitoring Service (PLM) is a research and curation service which checks for legislative updates from official government websites based on the selected jurisdictions and topics. Paid Plan subscribers can access regular law change notifications to ensure they never miss a significant legal change on www.customsmanager.info – a website dedicated to customs & trade intelligence. At the same time, they save valuable time by engaging our dedicated trade specialists to carry the monitoring out for them. Premium subscribers also unlock all content on the Customs Manager’s Ltd. website, including our Customs & Trade Blog on www.customsmanager.info , providing vital thought leadership development services to empower them to trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly, across borders. Premium Subscribers can add jurisdictions and topics for an additional charge. About Customs Manager Ltd. We aim to empower people with import, export and transport responsibilities with helpful advice, insightful training and relevant trade intelligence services. We devote all our passion and energy to helping businesses grow faster cross-border. Working with us means having your own multilingual Customs Manager on standby to help you trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly wherever you want to go. Includes Brexit support and the ability to lodge customs declarations and making sense of rules of origin, customs classification and customs valuation to make but a few. Important Notice Customs Manager Ltd. owns the copyright in this document, except for external documents and links we refer to or make available. You are not allowed to use this information in any way that infringes its intellectual property rights. You may have to hold a valid licence to use this information. A licence can be obtained by becoming a Paid Plan subscriber to the Customs Managers’ Customs & Trade Intelligence service, also known as Professional Legislative Monitoring (PLM). As a Paid Plan subscriber, you may download and print this information which you may then use, copy or reproduce for your internal non-profit-making purposes. However, you are not permitted to use, copy or reproduce this information to profit or gain. In addition, you must not sell or distribute this information to third parties, not members of your organisation, whether for monetary payment or otherwise. This information is intended to serve as general guidance and not constitute legal advice. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. This information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking action, consult a Customs Manager Ltd. professional. In no circumstances will Customs Manager Ltd be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information contained within this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Simplified Declaration: A Solution for Smooth Export of Goods from the UK

Assessing the Progress and Potential of the Euro: An Overview of its Current State and Future Prospects

Expanding Your Reach: 3 UK TO EU Ways To Export To the EU Market Compliantly + concrete actions on how to go about it.

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