Exclusive: Key software to keep goods moving after Brexit won't be ready in time, developers warn 1/ bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
The Association of Freight Software Suppliers, whose members connect businesses to the government's customs systems, says they haven't been given enough time and information to develop their IT products. They're urging HMRC to ready contingency plans 2/ 
And even if they did have the information, AFSS says it'd be too late to train businesses on the software. Plus many companies put a freeze on installing new systems in December and January anyway, the group says 3/
For its part, HMRC says it's looking at plans in the case of emergencies, and that it will seek to maintain flow for the greatest number of customers (!) if the IT breaks down on Jan. 1. Cross those fingers.. 4/
AFSS has a specific concern around Northern Ireland. Traders moving goods GB-NI after Brexit will need to file with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), a newer system, which has the ability to log two different tariff rates for a product, unlike the old system, CHIEF 5/
This is because of the NI protocol and the concept of `at risk' goods. Some would have to pay EU tariffs in the event of no trade deal, which would be later rebated. Problem: we still don't know which goods will be `at risk'! So the IT guys can't build their software... 6/
If the private sector can't make the software, it will mean a very big burden is going to be placed on the government's `Trader Support Service', which is offering to make declarations to the CDS for free for businesses 7/ gov.uk/guidance/trade…
Quirky fact: one of the key companies behind the TSS, the Customs Clearance Consortium, had to send all its staff home earlier this month because of a confirmed Covid case. But CEO Robert Hardy says work continues as usual.. 8/
CDS is just one part of the Brexit IT puzzle - there's also the GVMS system which will be used for Northern Ireland from Jan 1. That's still only in testing phase 8/
https://twitter.com/joe_mayes/status/1299248574241419264
There's also the Kent situation, where trucks will need government permits from a new website to enter the county, or risk a £300 fine. Michael Gove told Hilary Benn earlier this month that they're ready to do manual border checks (!) if the system fails 9/committees.parliament.uk/publications/2…
Factoring in Xmas holidays, there's ~40 working days until Brexit kicks in for real. Spare a thought for the civil servants who are going to be working night and day to pull this off.. ends/ bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
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