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Whilst we are all unaware of the outcome of Brexit, I must be
It is my opinion that with competition in transport being so
one of a number of people who remain confident that the freight
great across Europe, hauliers will still want to bring the goods
industry can cope with whatever outcome arises.
into the UK and will accept a customs-cleared rate from A to B to maintain their business. Alternatively, importers will
With some of us remembering a time when we manually typed T
have to pay for their own customs clearance. The biggest
forms, C273’s and C11Ds, anything that is decided will be a breeze
problem I can foresee with this, is that multi-consignment
compared with the arduous task of the dreaded TIR carnet without
groupages arriving into the UK will have to all be diligently
a single mistake – seven pages, all identical: no backspace then.
accounted for by HMRC, with taxes and VAT to be paid at the point of entry. As a result, hauliers could then face
Internet and email are commonplace, and I am positive that HMRC
delays upon arrival into the UK through just one importer.
will ensure everything is digitalised, meaning as long as the necessary
To combat this potential for upset, HMRC must implement
certificates and procedures are in place there will be a smooth
a grace period whereby importers have a small window to
transition. Even with a no deal scenario, I am sure that the Framing
declare such goods and pay duties where applicable.
Manufacturer in Spain who sells to the UK at the moment will still be able to sell his goods to the UK. All that I can see that will happen,
We at Geoff Ricketts Freight are working to be able to assist
is that there will be a charge implemented for the additional red
our customers in any way, whatever the final outcome of the
tape through the HMRC online system. Companies who import will
Brexit negotiations. It is a very difficult situation because nobody
be responsible for duty and VAT on arrival just like in the good old
knows exactly what the outcome will be. No deal, and we could
days, and a deferment account will be set up so that balances can
all be faced with lengthy delays as HMRC are unable to cope
be paid at source.
with the sudden influx of red tape. Or, we could all just carry on regardless – who knows? Whatever the outcome, Ricketts Freight are ready, willing and able to tackle the future. Geoff Ricketts, Director, Ricketts Freight
FORWARDER magazine
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