So no yesterday’s story of HMRC prioritising flow over revenue.

Here is why it’s important and will be necessary.

/1 https://trans.info/en/hmrc-chief-loosening-of-customs-checks-on-trucks-to-cost-uk-800m-in-2021-219017

We are phasing-in our customs controls on the UK side. There are certain simplifications in place. Some of them don't even require traders to register.

While in theory traders should be aware of this, in practice many aren’t.

/2

For example, bringing goods in and "entering them into commercial records". The so-called simplified procedures.

Traders are allowed to bring goods in with basic information collected at the border.

/3

There is an obligation to keep records and paperwork for these movements - many traders not quite aware.

Why is that a problem? Because it leads to accidental imports.

/4

I've actually have been told by companies that they brought goods in an weren't asked any questions or given any paperwork by the haulier. For them, everything works the same way it did last year.

/5

The problem is declarations for these movements will be due in July.

Which may come as a shock to some. Especially if the records aren't there.

And of course, there is origin.

/6

Postponing import declarations means postponing claiming origin under TCA.

EU exporters might not necessarily know that they need to provide an origin statement, or may not want to go through the hassle (REX) since there are other options (importer's knowledge)

/7

So basically - in July some UK traders will find themselves struggling to submit declarations and some of them will also be subject to duties for 6 months that they didn't know were due - massive compliance issues

/8

So the decision to prioritise flow should help with all that. Details obviously unclear at this point but educate and support rather than penalise traders.

/9

Last thing to mention on this - the scale of these "accidental imports" is really hard to estimate. At least at the moment.

But anecdotal evidence suggests it's happening - as one of the companies told me - "you told us there will be a border!"

/10

TL:DR - this is good news and a decision that was badly needed.

/end