HMRC have published new guidance on registering under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007.

Guidance for Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs) and Accountancy Service Providers (ASPs) has been updated and is available on HMRC's website to reflect feedback from businesses in their discussions with HM Treasury. This current announcement provides the new guidance and gives businesses a deadline of 30 September 2008 to apply to register with HMRC.

The new guidance includes clarification for TCSPs that non executive directors only fall within the scope of the regulations when they act as a director for firms with high risk business and that “will writing” is now outside the scope of the regulations.

For ASPs, the new guidance confirms that customs practitioners fall within the scope of the regulations when they carry out accountancy services or provide tax advice.

HMRC will be writing to TCSPs and ASPs who have already applied to register and who may be affected by the updated guidance. Businesses that confirmed they no longer need to register will have their fees refunded.

Further information and the updated MLR 9 Guide to Registration can be found on the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/mlr/mlr9-reg-dates-announced.htm. Businesses can also download registration and fit and proper application forms to help them apply to register.