Single Trade Window Consultation
The Government is consulting on proposals for a Single Trade Window (STW). This will bring all customs and border data requirements into one place, meaning importers only deal with one system not the multiple systems that operate currently for separate issues such as customs and SPS certification.
The new STW is intended to reduce bureaucracy for business by putting all the data requirements in one place and also allowing previous data, where appropriate, to be reused and pre-populate declarations. The proposals also offer the opportunity for importers to input more information about the supply chain than is legally required in return for a lower risk of physical checks and interventions at the border. This may be something retailers and their suppliers would want to consider as a possible option, trading off a little more data for less friction at the UK border.
The paper below provides a synopsis of the proposals and picks out the key questions. We would really welcome your comments by the 1st September 2022 to develop our response to the Government. We are also aiming to organise a call with HMRC and Cabinet Office officials to discuss the proposals, the timing of introduction and what it means for your business