This week’s bulletin examines the impact of the decision by the UK to delay import checks on goods coming from the EU. We also share a copy of the Institute’s response to the UK government's consultation on engaging with business and civil society groups. We are also looking for information about your experience of using the Trader Support Service and we bring you news that the European Parliament has formally approved the €5 billion Brexit support fund.
UK delays import checks on goods from EU
The UK announced this week that it is delaying the implementation of some post-Brexit border controls which had been due to come into force at the start of October for goods entering the UK from the EU. The UK’s Brexit minister David Frost, in a written ministerial statement, said:
“The Government initially announced a timetable for the introduction of the final stages of those controls on 11 March. The Government’s own preparations, in terms of systems, infrastructure and resourcing, remain on track to meet that timetable. However, the pandemic has had longer-lasting impacts on businesses, both in the UK and in the European Union, than many observers expected in March.”
The following delays were announced:
- The requirement for pre-notification of agri-food imports will be introduced on 1 January 2022 as opposed to 1 October 2021.
- The new requirements for export health certificates, which were due to be introduced on 1 October 2021, will now be introduced on 1 July 2022.
- Phytosanitary certificates and physical checks on SPS goods at Border Control Posts, due to be introduced on 1 January 2022, will now be introduced on 1 July 2022.
- The requirement for safety and security declarations on imports will be introduced as of 1 July 2022 as opposed to 1 January 2022.
- The timetable for the removal of the current easements in relation to full customs controls and the introduction of customs checks remains unchanged from the planned 1 January 2022.
Full guidance is expected on gov.uk at a later date.
Survey: Trader Support Service
The UK’s Trader Support Service (TSS) offers a free-to-use service to help move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The Institute would like to get your views on your experience of using the TSS and how the system is operating for your business.
We would be grateful for 2 minutes of your time to complete a short survey by clicking here.
Institute responds to consultation on UK government engagement with business and civil society groups
This week the Institute responded to the UK government’s public consultation on engagement with business and civil society groups on implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. In the response we recommended that for the groups to be effective, suitable stakeholders must be identified, a clear Terms of Reference must be set out from the start, and detailed discussions are allowed to take place where views are enabled to influence policy.
Read the response.
Revenue guidance for declaring special customs procedures in the Automated Import System
Revenue’s eCustoms notification 47/2021 set outs the information that should be set out in a customs declaration when the importer has a full authorisation for Temporary Admission (TA) or Inward Processing (IP). Read the notification.
European Parliament approves €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve
The European Parliament has formally approved the creation of an EU scheme to support businesses in EU Member States most affected by Brexit. MEPs overwhelmingly approved the €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund with 695 for, 31 against and 11 abstentions.
The first tranche of cash will be allocated at the end of this year. Ireland will be the largest beneficiary of the scheme, with just over €1 billion allocated, followed by the Netherlands (€810 million), France (€670 million) and Germany (€590 million). The money will be used to support sectors most affected by Brexit, with initiatives aimed at creating employment.
Read more
UK Cabinet reshuffle
UK’s Prime Minister this week undertook a significant reshuffle of his Cabinet. Ann-Marie Trevelyan has been named as the UK’s International Trade Secretary, replacing Liz Truss, who takes up the post of Foreign Secretary.
Former UK Cabinet Minister Penny Mordaunt has been appointed Trade Minister within the Department for International Trade. Ms Mordaunt replaces Greg Hands, who has moved to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
David Frost maintains his position as Brexit Minister.
Read more
For more updates visit www.charteredaccountants.ie/brexit