Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans his Department has to increase the efficiency of customs clearance processes.

The new CDS (Customs Declaration Service) will replace the current customs declaration computer system (CHIEF) in January 2019. CDS will provide businesses engaged in international trade with a robust, modern and flexible customs declaration service.

‘The Customs Future Partnership Paper’ published on 15 August 2017 sets out the Government’s aspirations for future customs arrangements with the EU. The two new models proposed are:

- A highly streamlined customs arrangement

- A new customs partnership with the EU

The precise nature of any new customs arrangement will be determined in negotiations with the EU.