The government has asked traders for their input on upcoming changed to customs procedures, including safety & security (S&S) declarations and the Windsor Framework.
HMRC’s Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC) sent surveys to traders about their “awareness and readiness” for upcoming changes set to be introduced in early 2025.
Senior trade and customs consultant at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade and JCCC Industry Chair, Anna Doherty, said:
“It’s encouraging to see that the government is looking to engage with industry on the implementation of the upcoming changes, both in relation to removal of the waiver on S&S declarations from the EU on 31 January 2025, as well as the Windsor Framework changes for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland on 31 March 2025.
“Responding to the surveys gives businesses an opportunity to voice any concerns around readiness and shape upcoming engagement activities.”
S&S survey
HMRC contacted traders through the JCCC, seeking feedback about their understanding of S&S declarations, which will be required for EU imports from 31 January 2025.
HRMC wrote that, ahead of January, it aims “to best understand what support you may need and any barriers you might be encountering”.
Of the survey, it added:
“It should take no more than five minutes and will help ensure that your needs are met as we approach 31 January.”
BTOM roll-out
The introduction of S&S declarations for EU imports is the third phase in the government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
Earlier this year, earlier phases saw checks introduced on plant and animal products being imported into the UK from the EU, with additional documentations for these products also required.
Survey submissions should be made by next Tuesday (10 December) and the survey is available here.
Windsor Framework
The JCCC also wrote to traders about the Windsor Framework, asking for feedback on “awareness and readiness” for upcoming changes set to be introduced next year.
The Windsor Framework, agreed under the previous Conservative government, established trading rules between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Certain rules set to be introduced in October were delayed until 31 March 2025. These include new customs processes for freight and for moving parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
This survey is also anonymous, should take around 10 minutes to complete and must be submitted by next Friday (13 December).
