BREXIT: simplified import clearance procedure for UK companies

While Theresa May is still trying to win a renegotiation in Brussels of the terms of the separation agreement, notably on the border arrangements between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (backstop), BREXIT « hard » so dreaded by economic operators is getting closer...

Preparing for the worst case scenario – a dry exit from the European Union without a trade agreement – the UK government sent a letter to companies in December 2018, encouraging them to carry out the following two steps as soon as possible:

1. Obtain an EORI number;
2. Define who would make customs declarations after the customs border has been restored (cf.BREXIT: Back... to jump better?).

At the beginning of February 2019, the government unveiled a interim simplified customs clearance system Called « Transitional Simplified Procedures » (TSP).

The purpose of this document is to facilitate the EU import clearances and thus fluidize the Ro-ro flow* Incoming (tunnel under the handle and ferry lines)to avoid traffic jams at the border so dreaded (cf. BREXIT: vote by the United Kingdom Parliament « around » of 15 January 2019).

Since 7 February, each importing company established in the United Kingdom may register online to make such declarations, provided that it holds an EORI number.

For goods not subject to import restrictionsthe information required in the simplified declaration is:

• Date and time of arrival of goods in the United Kingdom;
• Description of goods, customs code and quantity;
• Purchase invoice number (if available) and sales invoice number;
• Customs value;
• Serial number (if any);
• Delivery details;
• Provider's email.

Once the goods are imported, the operator will have to send Supplementary declarationno later than 4th working day of the following month arrival of goods in the United Kingdom.

If there are any duties and/or taxes to be paid, the amount will be automatically deducted on 15th day of the following month arrival of goods.

This procedure has two major advantages:

• Trade fluidisation
• Defalation of payment of duties and taxes

This system is provisional and may be revised within 3 to 6 months after it is put in place.

Be careful!

This procedure does not concern flows between Member States. Republic of Ireland andNorthern Ireland A communiqué should be prepared shortly to provide more information on this point.

* Ro-ro: « roll on-roll off », technique of horizontal handling of ships.

To go further...

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