Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist businesses in overcoming challenges with customs bureaucracy and logistics issues in trade with the EU.

HMRC has provided practical support to businesses to enable them to adapt to the new trading environment. This support includes comprehensive guidance on GOV.UK, as well as a range of other supportive information, including recorded webinars and short explainer videos. HMRC has invested in building capacity and capability in the Customs & International Trade Helpline and webchat service to ensure businesses who need additional support are able to access it promptly. Businesses can use this helpline service for assistance with UK customs enquiries via online, webchat, phone, and post. Support is also available to exporters via the Department for Business and Trade’s Export Support Service. This is a dedicated service to help more British businesses export and is a ‘one stop shop’ bringing together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support.

The Government is working with traders and businesses to simplify customs processes in order make it easier for them to import and export goods to and from the UK. HMT and HMRC recently announced the next steps on a package of improvements to streamline customs processes and reduce admin burdens for businesses. The announcement follows extensive consultation with industry on potential improvements to the UK customs system, first announced at Spring Budget 2023. Information on the improvements can be found on Gov.uk.