Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to reduce paperwork and other bureaucracy required on issues relating to rules of origin affecting companies exporting to the EU from 2022; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has been clear that leaving the Single Market and Customs Union will result in new customs processes for businesses trading with the EU. The UK has moved to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) relationship, and Rules of Origin are a standard part of all FTAs.

The Government has secured a number of administrative facilitations, such as self-certification of origin, and, until 31 December 2021, an easement on the need for UK businesses to hold supplier declarations at the time they issue statements on origin, which will considerably reduce the administrative burdens of complying with rules of origin in trade with the EU. The easement on supplier declarations has been introduced to allow businesses time to establish the necessary arrangements to meet the requirements of the agreement.