The Christmas Rush: Staying Customs Compliant

The run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for customs, with increased volumes of goods passing through the border daily. Despite the rush to get stock in before the festive season, it is essential to ensure your declarations are fully customs compliant and that no corners have been cut.

HMRC's Recruitment Drive: Strengthening Compliance Efforts

The UK government recently announced its plan to recruit up to 5,000 extra HMRC staff to close the tax gap. This recruitment drive will focus on strengthening compliance procedures and increasing investigations into customs declarations lodged in the UK. Several notable fines have been issued to large companies across Europe, and the UK aims to follow suit in the near future.

Avoiding Compliance Pitfalls: Tips for Businesses

Now is the perfect time to review your customs declarations to ensure they have been lodged correctly. Pay special attention to valuation methods and confirm that all additions and deductions have been applied to import declarations. Proper compliance could make the difference between a smooth holiday season and receiving an unwelcome penalty from HMRC.

Business West offers on-site audits to assess your company's compliance level, identify any action points, and help you avoid fines or penalties from HMRC.

Delays Announced for ENS and BTOM Implementation

In a recent announcement on 7th October, HMRC postponed the implementation of Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) until 31st January 2025. The final phase of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), initially set for launch at the end of October, has also been delayed to allow freight from Europe to pass through the UK border without requiring Safety and Security Declarations.

Impact of the UK Election on Customs Plans

Whilst HMRC are keen to get the next stage of the BTOM over the line, the HMRC Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC) announced that the “UK election had delayed engagement with stakeholders” and as such the roll-out of ENS data for imports into the UK has been postponed until after the festive break.

EU Deforestation Regulations: Postponement and Reactions

On 3rd October, the European Commission postponed the introduction of the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) by 12 months, pushing the new target date to 2025. This decision has received mixed responses, with notable push-back from countries like Brazil, the USA, and China, criticising the policy as protectionist in favour of the EU. The World Resources Institute expressed disappointment, stating that the delay "sends the wrong signal" about the urgency of creating a deforestation-free commodity market.

Staying Ahead of Customs Changes with ChamberCustoms

With significant changes in the customs landscape, staying informed and compliant is more critical than ever. ChamberCustoms offers customs-compliant declarations for all consignment types and expert guidance to help your business navigate these changes successfully. Leveraging Business West’s expertise can give your company a competitive edge in this evolving trade environment.