Overseas Trade

(asked on 21st July 2020) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what evidence will be required under the proposed Border Operating Model for companies to demonstrate a good compliance record enabling them to defer customs declarations.


Answered by
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman
This question was answered on 1st September 2020

The Government’s priority is to keep goods moving and avoid delays at the border. As the customs authority, HMRC will act to ensure that border processes are as smooth as possible, without compromising security. From 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 most traders importing non-controlled goods will be able to defer customs declarations for 180 days. Like importers of controlled goods, traders with a poor compliance record will not be allowed to defer declarations and must complete full customs declarations at the time of import.

HMRC is planning a package of activities to support and educate traders on their obligations during this period. HMRC will promote the keeping of good records, which will be crucial in minimising losses to error once supplementary declarations are made. HMRC will also have the power to ask for a trader’s records to check that they have made adequate entries.

HMRC has existing tools in place to tackle non-compliance. These tools include risk-based pre- and post-clearance checks, regular monitoring of high-risk traders and their supply chains and providing education to traders on risks and issues identified. Traders or individuals with a poor compliance history will be contacted by HMRC and will be instructed that they will not be able to defer declarations. The Government will publish further information on what constitutes a poor compliance history soon.

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