Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the customs code for the Channel ports will be extended to the Port of Ramsgate.

This question was answered on 17th January 2019

The Government has been clear that we do not want or expect a ‘no deal’ scenario, however we will continue to do the responsible thing and prepare for all eventualities.

In the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal, customs controls will be required on UK-EU trade. HMRC has been working closely with key RoRo locations and the businesses that facilitate trade through these locations to understand how best customs requirements can be implemented at Dover, Eurotunnel and other ports in Kent. In recognition of the unique nature of cross-Channel trade, and in response to stakeholder feedback, we are ensuring that a singular, joint location code covering both Dover and Eurotunnel can be used for the customs IT systems. This allows the haulier the flexibility of making last minute changes to routing, which is currently important for hauliers transporting goods to and from the EU. We will continue to work closely with the Department for Transport and other key stakeholders to plan for this scenario, including taking into account industry views on whether such a joint location code should be extended on any RoRo services that would operate out of Ramsgate.