HMRC is to suspend the introduction of Entry Summary Declarations on EU imports for six months, saying it would give companies more time to prepare for changes to EU trade arrangements should the UK leave without a deal.
Prime minister Theresa May is expected to visit Brussels tomorrow in yet another attempt to win further Brexit concessions from the European Union. It’s now just 38 days to Brexit and the prospect of the UK crashing out without a deal appears to be increasing.
The EU has agreed a plan for connecting Ireland to the rest of Europe by sea in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The Government has announced that simplified customs checks will be employed in the event of a no-deal Brexit allowing trucks to drive straight off ferries and Channel trains but the RHA does not think this is enough to prepare businesses.
The European Commission has proposed a “bare bones” arrangement which would allow UK hauliers to carry goods into the EU from 29 March to 31 December.
Although the government has waived the application fee for EU Settled Status applications there still remains much confusion around what future immigration will be allowed in the case of a no deal Brexit, says the Freight Transport Association.
The Road Haulage Association has called out Port of Calais president Jean-Marc Puissesseau after he made claims that Port of Calais will not be carrying out any more vehicle checks than are already being carried out, apart from those for food, livestock and migrants, post-Brexit.
The Department for Transport has extended the deadline for transport operators to apply for ECMT permits to 18th January.
The Freight Transport Association and Road Haulage Association have both condemned government proposals on immigration, saying they would hit business.
The government has allocated £2 billion in preparation for a no-deal Brexit. The money will be used to get a new border and customs operations ready, as well as gearing up UK trade policy with existing and new international partners, and taking back control of UK waters.
