A new consultation seeks views on the introduction of a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries. This follows the 2022 call for evidence on an independent customs regime. The government considers that a voluntary standard would be less disruptive and burdensome than mandated regulation, while encouraging overarching improvements in quality and standards across the sector.
The document asks about:
- the objectives of a voluntary standard, and what format it could take;
- how a voluntary standard could be designed and implemented;
- the potential content of a voluntary standard; and
- training and educational offerings for the intermediary sector, which would support the introduction of a voluntary standard.
HMRC will be holding webinars regarding this consultation where policy officials will explain further the scope of the consultation and the consultation process.
Responses should be emailed to: customsintermediariesconsultation@hmrc.gov.uk by 30 August 2023.