HMRC has issued the following update regarding the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and the upcoming deadline for companies to apply for training grants that enable them to complete customs declarations and other key trade processes.
Though the grant scheme lasts until 31 May, the government is advising that companies register no later than Friday 24 May to allow time for their application to be completed.
The training fundable by the grants – including several courses provided by the Institute – enables businesses to prepare for the changes in customs requirements that Brexit could cause – for example, the completion of customs declarations.
Many of these skills are already required for exporting to many markets outside of the EU.
Current situation on EU Exit
The Government remains focused on ensuring the UK's smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU with a deal as soon as possible. An agreement has now been reached with the EU on an extension until 31st October at the latest, with the option to leave earlier as soon as a deal has been ratified.
Although Parliament has rejected leaving without a deal multiple times, this remains the legal default at the end of the extension period. A no deal exit can only happen at the end of the extension period.
In light of the extension, departmental ministers will make sensible decisions about the timing and pace at which some of its no deal preparations are progressing, but we will continue to prepare for all EU Exit scenarios.
When necessary the government will update advice on www.gov.uk/euexit on how people should prepare. Businesses can also sign up for the latest EU Exit news as it happens at www.GOV.uk/hmrc/business-support, selecting ‘business help and education emails’, then ‘EU Exit’.
The government continues to encourage businesses to register for a UK EORI number – this will be required to export into Europe after Brexit. Importers are also recommended to register for transitional simplification procedures (TSP).
End of Intermediaries Grant Scheme
As part of an £8 million investment to support training and automation in the customs intermediaries sector, a £5 million grant scheme opened in December 2018, lasting until 31 May 2019.
The grant is available to support customs intermediaries and traders with training and IT costs ahead of the UK leaving the EU. Increased capacity in this sector will be important whatever our future relationship with the EU.
To prepare us all for the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Institute's one day Customs Procedures & Documentation training course covers everything that you will need to know to enable goods to be imported and exported post Brexit.
Alternatively, our Step by Step guidance on completing Customs Declarations training course will highlight what you need to know to complete customs declarations accurately and efficiently for both import and export of goods, including taking you through step-by-step guidance on completing the SAD C88 form.
The grant can also be used towards the cost of the new modular customs declarations training course which was launched in March as part of the Government’s wider investment in the sector.
We encourage any interested businesses to register on the grant application page no later than Friday 24 May to allow time to complete their application by the deadline.
More information: https://www.export.org.uk/page/CustomsGrants