HMRC has released a press release to remind traders they will no longer be able to delay making import customs declarations under the staged customs controls that applied to businesses during 2021.

From 1 January 2022, most customers will have to make declarations and pay relevant tariffs at the point of import, and can appoint an intermediary to help with these obligations.

However, businesses can get a ‘simplified declarations' authorisation from HMRC to release their goods without having to provide a full customs declaration, although it can take up to 60 calendar days to process an application for one.

Ports and other border locations will be required to control goods moving between Great Britain and the EU from 2022 onwards, meaning that unless your goods have a valid declaration and customs clearance, they will not be released into circulation.

However, as detailed in the trade and cooperation agreement between the UK and EU, the goods traders import or export may benefit from a reduced rate of customs duties.

To do this, you need to prove the goods you import from the EU originate there and the ones you export to the EU originate in the UK.

Further changes will be introduced from July 2022, including requirements for safety and security declarations for all imports; new requirements for export health certificates, and physical checks on sanitary and phytosanitary goods.

Talk to us about customs declarations.