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Guidance on 1st January UK Border Changes

Author - Jack Simpson

Date published:

Below is HMRC’s letter to EU traders on the upcoming changes to the UK border from 1st January 2022. Please read below, and contact [email protected].  

Temporary arrangements for movements from Ireland and Northern Ireland

The government has announced that current customs arrangements for goods moving from Ireland and Northern Ireland to Great Britain will be extended for as long as discussions between the UK and EU on the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) are ongoing.

This means that full customs controls will be introduced as planned on 1 January 2022 for goods moving between the rest of the EU and Great Britain, and for goods exported from Great Britain to Ireland.

If you move goods into or out of Northern Ireland, the free Trader Support Service can guide you through the process. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Trader Support Service’ to sign up.

Important information about completing Customs Import and Export Declarations

From 1 January 2022, goods exported from Great Britain to the EU and goods imported from the EU to Great Britain (with the exception of goods being imported from Ireland) will be subject to full customs controls.

If you’re importing goods, you’ll need to make sure that you (or your agent) have submitted the correct import declaration. If authorised, you or your agent can choose to use simplified procedures for imports.

If you’re exporting goods, you’ll need to make sure that you (or your agent) have submitted the correct customs export declaration. To avoid delays, check with your haulier what route they are using to move your goods, and whether they need a pre-lodged or arrived export declaration reference from you.

If you complete your own customs declarations, please be aware that we have published more information on how to submit the correct export declaration, including the codes to use if you use CHIEF or CDS. Please note that the mandatory code for all import and export declarations for goods moving via GVMS locations is ‘RRS01’. For more details please refer to the recently published Customs Information Paper 2.

However, if like most traders you use a customs expert like a freight forwarder or customs broker to make your declarations, please check if they are doing this for you.

British Chamber of Commerce Checklist

A detailed checklist for businesses can be found from the BCC, detailing some further changes and steps business can take to prepare for 1st January. Click here for the Checklist.

Video tutorials from HMRC

HMRC have a range of webinars and YouTube videos on importing and exporting with the EU that you can watch by going to our help and support for UK transition page.

You can contact HMRC via phone or live webchat until 8pm as well. You can find full HMRC contact options by clicking here

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