The British International Freight Association has said that the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee is prudent to have concerns in regards to the government and HMRC’s plans for The Customs procedures to be implemented post-Brexit.

The trade association for the UK freight forwarders has commented following the recent publication of a report by the Public Accounts Committee. The British International Freight Association, or BIFA, has agrees with the Committee that more needs to be done in order to manage the huge uncertainty that is faced by a large number of traders in the UK because of the changes that will take place with future Customs declarations once the UK leaves the European Union.

The director General of BIFA has said that the biggest concern raised by the trade association’s members is the issues connected to the changes in Customs protocol. The trade association has said that they are actively working with HMRC and has always had the opinion that there must be wider engagement with all those who are currently processing international trade, in order to offer them as much time as possible to prepare for the changes while also putting to rest any fears and concerns.

Members of BIFA and trading companies must be given better and more regular information about the development of the new Customs Declaration Service, which is expected to replace the current Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight system. BIFA is on hand to regularly promote the potential Customs benefits from obtaining a trusted trader status as a part of the EU’s Authorised Economic Operator system which is considered by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee as a way to facilitate international trade producers after Brexit takes place, and in whatever form that may take.

Then HMRC recognises the scale of the task that is ahead of preparing the UK to leave the EU. Going forward, BIFA has committed to continue to work closely in order to help them ensure a successful delivery of a system that will be able to meet the needs of BIFA members.