HMRC has written to construction businesses to confirm arrangements for making customs declarations should there be a no-deal Brexit.

In communication sent out in February, HMRC confirmed that businesses will be able to use simplified declarations and postpone payment of duties under Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP) in the event of no deal, although additional information will be required for controlled goods.

HMRC plans to review these measures after three to six months and give businesses 12 months’ notice if they are to be withdrawn. Businesses can sign up now for TSP online (www.gov.uk/hmrc/eu-simple-importing) – an EORI number will be required – and find out which ports TSP applies to.

All VAT-registered businesses that currently import and/or export goods with the EU have also been written to, highlighting priority actions to take in preparation for a no-deal scenario.

Iain McIlwee, CEO of FIS, said: “It is good to see that members are receiving some form of communication and guidance in regard to potential outcomes of the ongoing Brexit negotiations. At the time of going to press, everything is very much up in the air and there is confusion across the country, not just in construction, about where we will stand on many aspects of business should a no-deal Brexit occur.

“We urge members to stay in touch and keep an eye on the information we’ll be disseminating as and when we get updates ourselves so they are as informed and as prepared as possible at what is a confusing time.”

www.gov.uk/hmrc/eu-simple-importing