I always thought of TSS in the context of Art 5 point 6 of the NI Protocol – as a way for UK Gov to reimburse, waive and compensate companies in NI for the extra admin costs.
It was to be an alternative to using a customs broker, provided for by the Gov and free for users
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We were initially told that the service will cover customs as well as safety and security declarations and will be available to NI traders for GB and ROW trade as well as GB traders who export to NI.
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This meant replacing the local industry and disincentivising them from scaling up.
As you can imagine this caused a less than favourable response from the local customs brokers.
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We were also initially told that the system will offer advice on customs matters - hence the IoE started advertising roles like this
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There are different levels of service TSS will provide and some of these levels will involve basically - directing traders towards existing providers.
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For routes other than NI-GB and GB-NI TSS will provide light advice only, mainly around finding you own broker!
And will provide "educational services" to both traders and intermediaries.
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For NI-GB and GB-NI the service will be a bit more advanced - it will offer support in submitting the two required declaration
It will also offer limited information on other requirements such as SPS procedures. But only high-level information.
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It will not offer personalised service nor in any way aim to replace existing providers.
Meaning the service will be very limited.
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The IT platform will "support submission" of the two declarations but will be far from advertised "will do it on traders' behalf".
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So what does it all mean?
I've been following TSS closely but have to say a lot of this was a surprise to me.
It's good news for the local industry.
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It also means that TSS is more "doable" by 1 Jan.
Means slightly less risk. See 👇 for my thoughts on why TSS is a Brexit readiness risk.
There is still risk around the IT platform but information and "educational" services are easier
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Another IRISH SEA BORDER update. Heads up for all NI and Irish businesses - on mandatory transit and clearance in NI.
This one is a bit technical but bear with me.
(h/t @tconnellyRTE for helping me look into this a bit deeper)
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Having spoken to a number of organisations including BIFA and BCC, most of us assumed that under the NI Protocol once the goods arrive in NI that's it:
goods at risk pay EU tariffs and they are cleared and can move south to the ROI.
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In hindsight, it was probably wishful thinking but it did seem like that was the point of having the "at risk" category in the first place.
Well, that's not how it's going to work. This will be much more of a hard border.
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First thoughts on the new version of the Border Operating Model
Nothing has changed – it's all additions to the previous version.
We’re getting a lot more info on infrastructure – sites for transit, SPS checks etc.
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This is helpful as it will allow businesses and intermediaries to plan for their trade lanes. Especially for businesses planning to use transit or needing additional checks
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Nothing on NI - but we knew that in advance.
New info on so-called multi-functional inland infrastructure sites - their function (on 1 Jan as well as 1 July) and location.
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The point (TL:DR) of this longish thread was this – it’s not about becoming a hub for trade deals. It’s not about signing as many FTAs as possible – that by itself has never worked for any country. This is step 1 – creating opportunities.
Even at the most basic level, there is a second part to this - ensuring that companies can use these opportunities, they know about them and have the possibility to use them. Creating access to these opportunities.
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And this is where the Gov does not have a very good track record – i.e. communicating with biz regarding upcoming changes and ensuring that biz are prepared for them.
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There is also an interesting point around the benefits of being a free trade hub (a country that has a high number of trade deals). It's different from being a hub for trade or manufacturing and doesn't always translate.
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Let's say we sign all these deals, and let's put aside their relative impact on the UK economy vs impact of leaving the EU debate for a moment - we will never be a global manufacturing hub given the cost of UK labour and where we sit in the global value chains.
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