In this week’s EU exit bulletin, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications relevant to EU exit and news that importers can seek an extension to use CHIEF for a short period beyond 30 September where there is a business reason. We also update you on recent developments in relation to the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. Update on the Protocol  News reports say that a call is expected to take place this week between Maroš Šefčovič and the new UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly which aims to start off an intensive period of talks in respect of the Protocol. As with previous talks, these are likely to be date driven with some reports suggesting Friday 28 October will be set as the target date as this is the deadline to stop further Assembly elections in Northern Ireland. By law, a further election must be called then if an Executive and Assembly have not been formed after the most recent elections in May. Short CHIEF extension Last week, HMRC launched a new online form that should be used to request permission to use the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (“CHIEF”) system for imports after 30 September. Readers will be aware that the new Customs Declarations Service (“CDS”) should be used instead of CHIEF for imports after Friday 30 September. In order to request a short extension, the online form must be completed and the EORI number of the business and any subsidiaries that an extension is requested for must be provided. The business must also have a clear business reason for the extension; for example, an extension may be granted to those currently using CHIEF if the  business cannot find or use a suitable customs agent before 1 October 2022. In addition, where an extension is granted, the business will also be provided with assistance to help them move to the CDS as soon as possible. If a business continues to  using CHIEF for imports from 1 October 2022 without permission for an extension, HMRC may revoke access. HMRC will also be contacting a small number of traders directly to grant continued access to CHIEF where the business has not fully migrated imports to the CDS. Miscellaneous updated guidance etc. The latest guidance updates, and publications relevant to EU exit are as follows:- Check simplified procedure value rates for fresh fruit and vegetables; Reference Documents for The Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020; Refunds and waivers on customs debt by HMRC; Correction for late payment interest on customs debt and £25 minimum charge; Country codes for the Customs Declaration Service; Medical devices: UK approved bodies; Search the register of customs agents and fast parcel operators; Check simplified procedure value rates for fresh fruit and vegetables; and Search the register of customs agents and fast parcel operators.

In this week’s EU exit corner, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications relevant to EU exit and news that importers can seek an extension to use CHIEF for a short period beyond 30 September where there is a business reason. We also update you on recent developments in relation to the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. Update on the Protocol  News reports say that a call is expected to take place this week between Maroš Šefčovič and the new UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly which aims to start off an intensive period of talks in respect of the Protocol. As with previous talks, these are likely to be date driven with some reports suggesting Friday 28 October will be set as the target date as this is the deadline to stop further Assembly elections in Northern Ireland. By law, a further election must be called then if an Executive and Assembly have not been formed after the most recent elections in May. Short CHIEF extension Last week, HMRC launched a new online form that should be used to request permission to use the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (“CHIEF”) system for imports after 30 September. Readers will be aware that the new Customs Declarations Service (“CDS”) should be used instead of CHIEF for imports after Friday 30 September. In order to request a short extension, the online form must be completed and the EORI number of the business and any subsidiaries that an extension is requested for must be provided. The business must also have a clear business reason for the extension; for example, an extension may be granted to those currently using CHIEF if the  business cannot find or use a suitable customs agent before 1 October 2022. In addition, where an extension is granted, the business will also be provided with assistance to help them move to the CDS as soon as possible. If a business continues to  using CHIEF for imports from 1 October 2022 without permission for an extension, HMRC may revoke access. HMRC will also be contacting a small number of traders directly to grant continued access to CHIEF where the business has not fully migrated imports to the CDS. Miscellaneous updated guidance etc. The latest guidance updates, and publications relevant to EU exit are as follows:- Check simplified procedure value rates for fresh fruit and vegetables; Reference Documents for The Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020; Refunds and waivers on customs debt by HMRC; Correction for late payment interest on customs debt and £25 minimum charge; Country codes for the Customs Declaration Service; Medical devices: UK approved bodies; Search the register of customs agents and fast parcel operators; Check simplified procedure value rates for fresh fruit and vegetables; and Search the register of customs agents and fast parcel operators.

The Institute recently made an informal submission to the House of Lords Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland in respect of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. It has now been confirmed that the submission has been accepted by the Sub-Committee as evidence. The Sub-Committee has since formally opened its inquiry into the Bill which the Institute will be responding to. The Committee is scrutinising the Bill’s provisions, examining the economic, political and legal impact of the legislation, and assessing the EU’s response, in the context of and to inform consideration of the Bill by the House of Lords. This crucial inquiry is taking place during the autumn hence we encourage you to share your feedback by email.