Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to keep their companies moving when new import controls come into effect from January 1, 2022.
New requirements for customs declarations are being introduced for imports from the European Union into Great Britain at the time goods are brought into the country by either businesses or their courier, meaning firms will no longer be able to delay making import customs declarations.
Coventry and Warwickshire is renowned within the transport and logistics industry for its “Golden Triangle” location which is within easy reach of major motorway networks as well as being within four hours of ports and 90 per cent of the UK’s population.
Since 1 January 2021, businesses have been able to delay import declarations for a maximum of 175 days from when goods arrived in the country.
But from 1 January 2022, full declarations must be made at the time of importing and cannot be delayed.
A new website has been launched at gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk for businesses to register and find out more information on how to bring goods into the UK from any country, including how much tax and duty will need to be paid and whether a licence or certificate is needed.
Companies can also apply for authorisation to use simplified declarations for imports which allow goods to be moved without having to provide a full customs declaration. To find out more about applying for a simplified declaration, visit gov.uk/guidance/using-simplified-declarations-for-imports.
Businesses who appoint a customs agent, courier or a freight forwarder to deal with import and export declarations on their behalf, should visit gov.uk/guidance/appoint-someone-to-deal-with-customs-on-your-behalf.
The government has also launched the Export Support Service helpline and online service for all UK businesses to contact to get answers to their practical questions about exporting to Europe which gives access to cross-government information and support in one place at gov.uk/ask-export-support-team
Sarah Windrum, Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said it was vital businesses involved in importing took action now to prevent any delays in the new year.
She said: “It is really important businesses check what they need to do when the new import controls come into force from January 1 to prevent any delays in receiving their goods and it will also affect businesses who sell goods in the EU.
“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, businesses need to be aware of the new rules for doing business with the EU otherwise it could have a negative impact on their ability to bring in their goods.
“Coventry and Warwickshire’s location means we have a high proportion of transport and logistics companies and the new system has been designed to enable the fast and efficient movement of imports and will be used by many UK ports.
“The government’s step-by-step guide will make sure businesses are prepared for the new customs declaration rules instead of having an unwelcome headache from January 1 so I would urge businesses across our area to have a look at the website to prepare for the import control changes.”
Caption: Sarah Windrum, CWLEP chair