HMRC has accelerated 95,000 firms onto a simplified import procedure ahead of the Brexit deadline

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has welcomed moves by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make importing simpler and easier for companies in Scotland.

HMRC has announced today it has automatically registered 95,000 businesses across the UK for its simplified import procedures.

These will allow most firms up to half a year to pay import duties and submit customs declarations that could be placed on them if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31^st October 2019.

Known as Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP), the scheme will make importing from the EU after Brexit easier, particularly for businesses completing customs processes for the first time. Up to this point, businesses have had to apply for it – over 30,000 had previously registered. 

This TSP scheme will give most businesses up to six months to send in customs declarations and pay any customs duties to HMRC after importing goods from the EU. This will prevent lengthy congestion at the border when goods enter the UK.

Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) said:

“At a time of change, the top priorities at the border have to be keeping trade flowing and minimising the potential for disruption. 

“Automatically registering companies for Transitional Simplified Procedures at the border means one less immediate demand on traders’ limited time and resources in the unwanted event of a ‘no-deal’ exit. 

“In particular, it will help the Scottish firms who import from the EU but have little experience of dealing with customs processes. We are pleased that ministers have again listened to the SCC network’s calls to reduce the number of administrative hoops businesses will need to jump through as they navigate major changes to the way they trade across borders.”