Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what impact assessment he has made of the EU-UK trade agreement's restrictions on laden journeys and cross trade transport operations on the logistics and haulage industry with respect to the movement of (a) goods and (b) equipment for the music and entertainment business.

The UK’s Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU ensures there will be zero tariffs or quotas on trade between the UK and the EU, where goods meet the relevant rules of origin, and includes provisions to facilitate trade and address non-tariff barriers for UK exports to the EU and vice versa.

The Government’s priority is to keep goods moving and avoid delays at the border. Border Force and HMRC will act to ensure that border processes are as smooth as possible, without compromising security.

Inland border sites have been set up to ease congestion at ports. HMRC have been working with stakeholders and the Department for Transport to produce the Haulier Handbook. This outlines the processes of which hauliers need to be aware when moving goods between GB and the EU from 1 January 2021 and is available on GOV.UK.

ATA carnets are available for commercial goods, professional equipment or goods going to trade fairs or exhibitions in participating countries, which are moved on a temporary basis to a new customs territory (i.e. they will not be sold, and will return to the country of origin). This includes equipment for the music and entertainment business. Carnets allow a single document to be used for clearing goods through customs in the countries that are part of the ATA carnet system.

In addition to using carnets, alternative options for transporting equipment on a temporary basis between the EU and the UK (without having to pay customs duties and VAT) are Temporary Admission and Returned Goods Relief. More information is available on GOV.UK.