Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of recent changes to customs import and export legislation on the ability of small businesses to import and export products.

Overall, our assessment is that many businesses have adapted well. Our focus is now on ensuring that those still facing challenges get the support they need to trade effectively with the EU.

HMRC are continuing to support traders adjust to changes in their customs obligations following the end of the transition period, with extensive engagement and communication campaigns, guidance, and educational resources, working in collaboration with other Government departments. The Government launched the SME Brexit Support Fund in March 2021 to support Small Medium Enterprises adjust to new importing and exporting processes. The scheme closed for applications on 30 June 2021, and over 4,000 businesses have benefitted from it.

The Department for International Trade launched its Export Support Service on 1 October 2021, which is a dedicated hotline and a ‘one stop shop’ to help more British businesses export to Europe.

We continue to work with industry to ensure that as many traders as possible understand the new rules and where they can access further support.