Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Border Operating Model, published on 13 July 2020, what estimate he has made of the timescale for applying for a deferment account number.

HMRC are streamlining a number of their authorisation processes to make it quicker and easier for traders to use. New rules are being introduced to make it easier to access a Duty Deferment Account (DDA) at the end of the transition period. This means most businesses will be able to open DDAs without needing to provide a guarantee, unless they have a history of non-compliance or insolvency. Further detail on how these new rules will operate in practice will be provided in updated guidance in due course.