In this week’s EU exit bulletin, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications relevant to EU exit and a further update on the Customs Declarations Service. We also update you on recent developments in relation to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Update on the Protocol
Last week second reading of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill took place in the House of Lords. The Bill now moves to Committee Stage with first sitting planned for Tuesday 25 October. Media reports are now circulating that peers in the House who are opposed to the Bill are planning to delay it with an amendment impeding its passage through the House of Lords until an impact assessment is produced. It is expected that said amendment will be submitted at first Committee Stage next week.
A new publication by UK In A Changing Europe “The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill: Context and Consequences” analyses the Bill and its potential consequences in detail. This report explains some of the context to the Bill, the conditions in which it has emerged and its potential ramifications for Northern Ireland, the UK, the EU, and UK-EU relations. It also considers a number of ways in which the stand-off over the Protocol might be resolved. The report brings together the insights of several experts.
Three years ago this week, the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland were agreed on 17 October. Over three years on and the Protocol continues to be discussed by the UK Government and the EU with talks recommencing recently.
Customs Declarations Service
The Customs Declaration Service (“CDS”) must now be used for import declarations. A business can use the CDS to make declarations itself or find a customs agent.
Only businesses that have successfully applied for permission to continue to use CHIEF for imports after 30 September 2022 or have been contacted directly to say that they have permission to keep using it can continue making their import declarations on CHIEF for a short period.
If you aren’t already using the CDS or are using it but not yet making all declarations via the CDS, act now to:-
Visit Customs Declaration Service for more information.
Miscellaneous updated guidance etc.
The latest guidance updates, and publications relevant to EU exit are as follows:-