Are you eligible for training and IT grants? Businesses based, or with a branch in the UK, can apply for funding for training and IT improvements to assist in completing customs declarations.
Leaving the EU on 31 October 2019 means there will be immediate changes to the way UK businesses trade with the EU that may impact your business. This includes UK businesses having to apply customs, excise and VAT procedures to trade with the EU, in the same way that already applies for goods and services traded outside the EU.
Customs intermediaries grant scheme
There is now £16 million available in new government funding to help businesses prepare for these changes Businesses based in, or with a branch in the UK can apply for funding ahead of the UK leaving the EU. Grants can be used to support:
- Training costs for businesses who complete customs declarations, or who intend to in the future
- IT improvements to help your business complete customs declarations more efficiently.
Find out more about the available training and IT grants
To ensure maximum impact, the second wave of the grant scheme allows businesses to apply for the full cost of training, within certain limits as set out in the guidance.
Economic Operator Registration and identification (EORI) numbers
You need an EORI number to move goods into or out of the EU (including the UK). If you do not get one, you may have increased costs and delays. For example, if HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) cannot clear your goods you may have to pay storage fees.
If there’s a no-deal Brexit
You’ll need an EORI number that starts with GB to move goods in or out of the UK if there’s no Brexit deal. If you already have an EORI number that starts with GB, you can continue to use it. It will be 12 digits long. If you’re registered for VAT it will include your VAT registration number. You do not need an EORI number if you’ll only move goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
EORI Mythbuster
HMRC have published an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number mythbuster, which is designed to dispel common misconceptions about EORI numbers.
If you would like to discuss your business and Brexit, please do get in touch with the DRG Chartered Accountants team
DISCLAIMER: This information is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. We will not accept any responsibility for loss to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this publication.
