Delayed import declarations: how to delay paying customs duty and import VAT
10 May 2021
The following has been circulated by HMRC:
As the UK has left the European Union, there are new customs and tax rules you need to follow when you buy from or sell to Europe, or if you move goods or equipment in or out of the UK for business. This includes making customs declarations on all goods that youbring into or send out of the UK.
HMRC understand how challenging it can be to adapt your business to meet these new rules. That’s why HMRC are continuing to offer support to help you through the steps you need to take to carry on trading with the EU. This includes a letter to all customers based in Great Britain who import or export to the EU, webinars and up-to-date information on GOV.UK.
This week, learn more about:
- how to delay your import declarations and delay paying any customs duty or import VAT
- how to keep accurate recordsif you delay your import declarations
- what you need to do now to be ready to make your supplementary import declarations within 175 days of when your goods arrive in Great Britain
- how to get help from an expert customs intermediary – such as Royal Mail, a fast parcel operator, freight forwarder or customs broker, and things to consider when you appoint a customs intermediary
- how to claim zero tariffs for goods you import into the UK from the EU and pay no customs duty, if your goods are eligible
- how to apply for a grant of up to £2,000 from the SME Brexit Support Fund if you’re a small or medium-sized business owner and need help to adjust to the new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
Support and guidance for businesses
HMRC have a range of customer support, online guidance and tutorials available to help you adapt to new rules for trade with the EU. Here’s some of the support that’s available for you:
YouTube videos
Watch these short videos on HMRC's YouTube channel to familiarise yourself with customs processes and what you need to do before trading goods with the EU.
Live webinars
Daily webinars including:
- Customs Import Declarations: An overview
- Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving
- Importing: what you need to know about Staged Controls
- Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary.
If you’d like to attend a webinar you can register here.
