In this week’s EU Exit Bulletin, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications relevant to EU exit information on how to claim a refund for incorrectly charged interest on customs debt. We also update you on developments in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill update
After the appointment of the new Prime Minister Liz Truss last week, the UK Government says it prefers a negotiated outcome with the EU to fix the issues surrounding the Protocol, but emphasised it will resort to legislation should this not be possible. This means that the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will continue its passage through the House of Lords in the autumn having passed all House of Common stages before the summer recess.
Last week the Prime Minister’s newly appointed cabinet met for the first time on Wednesday. James Cleverly, who was appointed as the new Foreign Secretary, will lead negotiations with the EU on the Protocol. Chris Heaton-Harris takes on the role of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with Steve Baker becoming Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office.
Refunds for incorrectly charged interest on customs debts
During the period July 2018 to April 2022, some businesses were incorrectly charged a £25 minimum interest amount for the late payment of customs duty. Such businesses may be able to claim a refund of the difference between the £25 minimum charge and the actual amount of interest that should have been applied. In addition, between July 2018 and April 2022, HMRC also used an incorrect interest rate which was higher by 0.5 percent to calculate late payment interest on customs debts. Details of how to claim a refund have now been published.
Miscellaneous updated guidance etc.
The latest guidance updates, and publications relevant to EU exit are as follows:-