Keep getting asked what are the chances HMRC will find out if you use an incorrect commodity code or declare preferential origin when you can't substantiate it.
And it usually makes me think of this TikTok
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More importantly, though, I'm not entirely sure companies understand how important a "good compliance record" is in the long run.
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If you look at the UK Trader Scheme, or other simplification etc a good compliance record is always a requirement.
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So more often than not the question should be - how willing are you to risk having a red mark on your record?
Cause it's not the penalties. These are small and in comparison to some of the underpaid duty requests I've seen, really not worth mentioning.
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But it's being on HMRC's radar that you need to worry about.
And the scary part is - most companies get to that point due to ignorance. Simply not checking or not knowing what is expected of them.
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At the heart of this entire mess is one thing and one thing only:
How do you communicate the scale of the new barriers to trade that are going to be introduced when for political reasons you are obliged to spin it as liberalisation?
It's not that the UK Gov didn't realise what was coming.
HMRC, DEFRA and other departments know these 3rd country rules inside out. They've got experts of their own in customs, SPS and everything else.
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These Departments were well aware of requirements such as RoOs or health certificates.
But for some reason, whether it was lack of communication, deliberate decision or something else, that knowledge did not translate into a clear message from the UK Gov.
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1⃣ Companies will experience the consequences of the new formalities differently: for some things are working well(ish), others are no longer able to trade and their entire business model has collapsed.
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It's a spectrum - where you are on that spectrum depends on your supply chain, industry etc.
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The option to defer customs declarations for 6 months has been extended until 2022.
IMPORTANT - for goods imported until now declarations will still be due in July. But e.g. declarations for goods imported in July can be submitted in Jan 2022
Was tempted to ignore this. First of all not sure how I feel about Gov posting "ad features". I come from a country where we had a lot of that under the previous regime (and the current one) and not sure I would recommend it.
I love how one of the examples talks about how easy it was to import into the UK (all you need is an EORI and changes to invoices) when UK controls have not yet been introduced. Yes, of course, there were not delays!
Let's touch base in July
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Also, the article, like the Gov Brexit campaign, fails to mention rules of origin. And if these companies are not affected by rules of origin (solely import EU made goods for the UK market - excluding NI) these are exceptions.
It's normal export, import procedures. We have them too. So do other countries. When we export to these other markets where growth comes from (SIC) they will still need to be met. Paperwork will still be needed.
Every international cross-border transaction involves a tone of paperwork as you need to make sure you meet all of the requirements at the country of import (as well as some in your own country).
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It's not the EU being unreasonable. It's like expecting the US to drop all of their regulatory requirements for us cause you know, we have that special relationship... Not going to happen.
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If you're still confused about what's going on with the fishing industry, or food and drink sector in general and way it's all so important there were three Select Committee hearings this Thu worth watching
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First stop, the Scottish Parliament. A really important session.
TL:DR - if nothing is done, some of these businesses won't exist in a few months.
Next up, the Scottish Affairs Committee session on Fisheries and Scotland. The second session of the day with @scotfoodjames who I really enjoy listening to.