18th September 2020
Business advisors BDO and Fexco today announced the launch of a new customs clearance service, Declaron, to assist Irish businesses in managing the substantial increase in customs clearance documentation, which will take effect from January 1st, 2021, post-Brexit.
The new online customs clearance service will provide 24/7 status updates on declarations and will help customers save time on document preparation. Records for all traded goods declared to customers are safeguarded and accessible online to help deal with any Revenue queries or audits.
Commenting on the importance of preparation ahead of the January 1st deadline, Partner in BDO Customs and International Trade Services Carol Lynch said: “Since mid-last year, it has been clear to Irish businesses and Government that there was going to be a serious problem facing importers and exporters due to a lack of clearance agents. The increase in declarations that will be required post-Brexit goes from 1.6m to 20m declarations. This is going to cause a serious operating problem for any Irish business trying to move goods into and out of the country.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin added: “In just over 3 months’ time, new checks and controls will be required on all trade with, and through, Great Britain. This will happen regardless of the outcome of the current negotiations between the EU and UK. On the 1st January, the UK will be outside of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. Businesses need to get ready now, and ensure they are ready for new customs arrangements and other regulatory requirements.
He added: “Today’s announcement of the Declaron service by BDO and FEXCO is a welcome contribution to this, adding to the customs intermediary capacity that Irish businesses will need”.
Declaron will also provide access to an online customs portal that lets customers store and manage the customs information they are preparing and all relevant and associated authorisations and documents. After January 1st the portal will enable customers to track each step of the clearance process and check the live status of their consignments. Customers will also be assisted 24/7 by a full team of clearance agents.