HMRC have asked us to share their latest update on Brexit. HMRC continue to stress the importance of businesses applying for an EORI number as soon as possible in order to be able to move goods in and out of the EU after Brexit. The European Commission has also issued a release addressing certain aspects of customs and trade in a ‘no-deal Brexit’

“The current EU Exit position is as follows:

• The Government remains focused on ensuring our smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU with a deal as soon as possible.
• An agreement has now been reached with the EU on an extension until 31st October at the latest, with the option to leave earlier as soon as a deal has been ratified.
• Although Parliament has rejected leaving without a deal multiple times, this remains the legal default at the end of the extension period. A no deal exit can only happen at the end of the extension period.
• As a responsible government we’ve been preparing to minimise any disruption in the event of no deal for over two years.
• In light of the extension, departmental ministers will make sensible decisions about the timing and pace at which some of its no deal preparations are progressing, but we will continue to prepare for all Brexit scenarios.
• When necessary we will update our advice on gov.uk/euexit on how people should prepare. Businesses can also sign up for the latest EU Exit news as it happens at www.GOV.uk/hmrc/business-support, selecting ‘business help and education emails’, then ‘EU Exit’.
• If you or your clients/members have already registered for a UK EORI number and for the transitional simplification procedures (TSP) for importers, there is no need to take any action to undo either.
• Registrations for UK EORI numbers and for TSP (for importers) continue to be accepted.

You may also be aware of Issue 72 of the Agent Update, published 12 June 2019, that has an EU Exit feature on ‘If you’re an EU citizen living in the UK, apply to the EU settlement scheme’, which may be of interest to some of your clients, as employers.”

END OF HMRC update