Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what modelling has been undertaken of the effect on businesses in Wales of changes to customs processes and procedures required as a consequence of (a) a trade agreement and (b) no trade agreement with the EU.

In October 2019, HMRC published their updated impact assessment for the movement of goods for if the UK leaves the EU without a deal (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-impact-assessment-for-the-movement-of-goods-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-without-a-deal/hmrc-impact-assessment-for-the-movement-of-goods-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-without-a-deal-third-edition). Should a deal be agreed with the EU, the Government will publish an impact assessment alongside introducing legislation to give effect to that deal.

The UK is leaving the EU’s customs union and single market at the end of this year, which will inevitably mean extra processes required for UK-EU trade. Most customs processes are electronic and done away from the border, including getting an EORI number and making plans for completing customs declarations, where traders will need a customs agent or their own software. Many businesses have already begun factoring in these new processes as part of their preparations for life outside the customs union and the Government urges others to do the same.