Businesses urged to prepare now for the biggest UKCS customs change in a generation
The deadline for a customs and border control for the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), the waters surrounding the UK, and the European Union has been extended once again.
A new date has yet to be announced but, according to LS Customs’ Managing Director Gordon Matson, businesses must prepare now as regulations may be introduced with relatively little notice.
What’s happening?
Since 2016, HMRC has been working to implement a suitable customs control for UKCS.
Gordon said: “This has previously been a grey area but HMRC believes it is necessary that there is clear legislation and governance for a number of reasons, including consistency UK Border control; safety, security and taxation; and to allow for efficient and streamlined trade practices.”
All cargo now must either complete:
- Full customs entries
- ‘Declaration by Conduct’ using a new ‘G-Form’ which is available on the Government Gateway website
These G-Forms are now live, and businesses are being encouraged to adopt them.
Why do businesses need to act now?
Due to industry pressure, the deadline has been pushed back several times. Most recently, the transition date was set for 31st May but no firm date for a full handover has been announced yet.
Gordon said: “A new deadline may be announced at short notice, and it is essential that all business which move goods on and offshore within the UKCS have learned how the new systems work and updated their internal processes to navigate the changes smoothly. This transition period buys businesses some grace to bring their internal processes in line with external requirements and businesses should be making the most of this opportunity to prepare.
“There are huge ramifications if, once it is enforced, it goes wrong. Without one of the processes being followed, goods cannot be loaded or unloaded. The economic impact could be significant. The time to act is now so we are more than ready when they come into force.”
What do the changes mean for businesses?
Whether using the full customs process or the simplified version, businesses are required to have the following information for all cargo, either on the full entry or held in records for the G-Form:
- Country of origin
- Commodity code
- Value
- Goods description in plain English
- Are the goods import or export controlled (medicines, ammunition, dual use materials etc.)?
How LS Customs, a Peterson company, can support
Gordon said: “LS Customs has been at the forefront of discussions with HMRC, working closely with the industry and our client base to inform and support this transition. We’ve made improvements to Flow, our quayside management app which is part of Peterson’s Lighthouse suite of software which digitises the logistics supply chain, to better track and administer exports and imports. We have run education sessions and conducted process reviews with our clients, covering how the changes will impact procurement, receipt, packing, shipping and backload. Our in-depth understanding of the new requirements means we’re well-placed to support businesses.”
LS Customs expert team can provide:
- Awareness training to keep your teams up to speed
- G-Form guidance for streamlined customs processing
- HS coding advice to ensure accurate classification
- Export licence guidance and application support
- Record-keeping best practices to maintain compliance
- Returned Goods Relief (RGR) audit support to optimise duty relief claims
- Manifest auditing to identify and address compliance gaps in advance
For more information, visit www.lscustoms.com or contact queries@lscustoms.com.