New import customs checks start in January

Time is running out to get ready for new import customs checks from the EU, with many businesses still unprepared.  According to a recent survey carried out by the Institute of Directors  , three in 10 of the leaders of firms that import from the EU polled said they were not at all prepared for the changes, with 37% of small businesses and nearly a quarter of large ones saying they were not ready.

These new import customs checks are wide-ranging and could have a severe impact on supply chains. From 1 January 2022, customs declarations deferments come to an end unless the business has an authorisation from HMRC to defer duty, so business needs to ensure the correct paperwork is in place so goods are cleared and can reach their destination.  There will be full customs controls at the border and import declarations must be in place before vehicles will be allowed to board vessels heading to the UK.

Portico customs has worked with hundreds of businesses of all sizes to help with the new UK-EU trade arrangements.

Graham Osman, senior procurement negotiator at CEMEX UK Marine said: “Portico customs agency started doing our export documentation for us at the beginning of 2021, and we quickly moved to using them for imports as well.

“Their service and support has been excellent. No import or export was to small, they are always at the end of a phone or email for advice and have been very knowledgeable dealing with all the changes.

“They also provide regular updates on all shipments. This has enabled us to continue operating as normal despite the Brexit changes”.

Daphne Comber, customs agency manager at Portico said: “It can be a daunting and complicated process, fortunately we already handle thousands of customs declarations, and have the right systems to talk to HMRC to make sure goods reach their destination without delay.

“We know how important it is that goods reach manufacturing plants or supermarket shelves quickly. Companies import such a variety of items from the EU that we all use one way or another in our daily lives, so we’ll make sure there aren’t any hold-ups.