Brexit and Customs

Brexit – preparing your business for Customs

Our MD James attended a very useful Customs workshop organised by the Sligo Local Enterprise Office. Here he shares some of the important lessons.

If the UK leaves the EU, then customs procedures will have to be followed for all import and export of goods from/to the UK. This will apply regardless of how soft or hard Brexit is.

Each company will need to review its supply chain and identify product coming in from the UK even if only via landbridge.

A suggested 6 point Brexit Plan:

  1. Ensure you have a Customs Registration Number – EORI – this can be applied for via ROS – My Enquiries;
  2. Establish whether you need a Deferred Payment Account (postpones payment of customs duty from time of import to 15th of following month). If required , put in place a guarantee provision with your bank to cover the duties amount that are going to be suspended;
  3. Ensure your tariff classifications are 100% correct and from this, confirm the duty rates that may be payable;
  4. Ensure you have a clearance agent to lodge Customs Declarations on your behalf – the earlier the better;
  5. Talk to your suppliers and customers. Confirm who is acting as Importer and/or Exporter of Record for your purchases and sales. They are responsible for the payment of the Import Duties along with customs compliance;
  6. If you trade in Agricultural goods, particularly those of animal origin, then additional Veterinary checks and certs will be required. Furthermore, additional time frames needed for notifying Customs of imports.

The 31st of October is approaching fast. Many of these steps will take time so it is important to prepare immediately. There is assistance available from Enterprise Ireland and Intertrade Ireland in the form of consulting grants.