HMRC have published a Revenue and Customs Brief on how they will handle late applications to apply to re-register under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007.

Revenue and Customs Brief 15/08 is available at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/briefs/excise-duty/brief1508.htm.

In addition, HMRC have advised that they will allow businesses to apply to register as Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs) without penalty until 31 May 2008.

HMRC's advice is reproduced below:

“The MLR 9 Registration Guidance for TCSPs will be updated in April to reflect feedback from businesses in their discussions with HM Treasury about the interpretation of the regulations as they apply to TCSPs.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will allow businesses to apply to register as a TCSP without penalty until 31 May 2008. This will give you time to consider the impact of the updated guidance on your need to register.

• If you have not yet registered you may wish to delay registering until the updated guidance is available.
• If you have already registered with us, you do not need to do anything at this time. If you are affected by any change, we will contact you directly when the guidance has been updated.

We will publish further information on the MLR latest news page when updates become available.”

Revenue and Customs Brief 18/08 advises on the above news.