Thread by @AnnaJerzewska

So many of you have tweeted this excellent 🧵at me. Thank you.

Couple of things to clarify in case you don't know what these systems are

/1

https://twitter.com/DanielLambert29/status/1350367078662987777

Daniel mentions 2 different systems: EMCS used to register movements of excise goods (wine) and CHIEF for customs.

As excise products are subject to additional controls EMCS was used even when we were in the EU. And it still is now.

/2

gov.uk/guidance/how-t…

CHIEF is different, it's a customs systems. Reminder, as an EU member we didn't have customs borders with other EU states.

We've now introduced a new customs border so all movements to/from the EU need to be logged in CHIEF AS WELL AS other relevant systems.

/3

CHIEF isn't easy to use. Kudos to Daniel for managing to input directly into it. The additional software helps but yes, there is a cost involved. Or you can pay the broker.

Part of that extra admin cost we've been warning about for the last 5 years

/4

Another issue is that CHIEF will soon (ish) be replaced by CDS. A new version. So even if you learn how to deal with CHIEF now you'll soon need to re-learn on CDS.

/5

And yes, you have to claim the reduced tariff under the UK-EU deal. That's normal.

It's because this reduced tariff is only available for goods that meet rules of origin - which you have to demonstrate.

/6

https://twitter.com/DanielLambert29/status/1350369623154298881

The same way the EU supplier needs to demonstrate their goods need to meet RoOs - hence the Rex number

/7

https://twitter.com/DanielLambert29/status/1350370048901316609

All this, as well as the various codes and abbreviations you need to know to fill in a customs declaration, is totally normal. It's part of trading internationally. But that doesn't mean it's easy.

/8

@DanielLambert29's company was well prepared for 1 Jan. They've obtained all the registrations, stockpiled. Done as much as any business could have under the circumstances.

/9

But the natural consequence of having a new border is that things that used to be very simple, are now complex and require specialised knowledge. And are only possible provided that all the systems work and are updated.

/10

This🧵is an excellent example of how insanely complicated all this is from a business perspective. How it adds to everyone's workload which has to translate into increased costs. For the company and for the consumer.

/11

And again, the scary part is that this is an example of a company that's done well.

There are many businesses out there that are far, far behind and are yet to learn about all that.

/end