The UK Government has published further information on what the Northern Ireland Protocol means for moving goods into and out of Northern Ireland. At the heart of the guidance is the commitment to provide extensive support for businesses engaging in new processes. In particular, the UK Government is setting up a new Trader Support Service.

This is a free, optional service, for businesses and their appointed agents, for moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and importing goods into Northern Ireland from outside the EU from January. According to the HMRC communication, it will provide an end-to-end service that will guide businesses and agents through processes, including handling digital and safety and security declarations on behalf of traders, at no additional cost.

HMRC is asking businesses and agents to register their interest in the Trader Support Service by filling in a form which should then be emailed to hmrctraders@hmrc.gov.uk. The Trader Support Service is expected to to launch in late September.