BCC: Customs clarity a top priority for trading businesses

Commenting ahead of the customs briefing paper, to be published by the Department for Exiting the EU, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“For most of the businesses we speak to, clarity on the UK’s future customs arrangement with the EU is significantly higher on their priority list than the swift negotiation of new free trade agreements. 

“For that reason, business needs to see the government’s resources focused on the conclusion of a successful customs deal with the EU. At this stage, it is critically important to keep a number of different options open in order to achieve this goal.

“While we await the detail of the government’s customs position paper, and the reactions of EU negotiators, business is clear that a smooth transition to new arrangements is needed, and multiple adjustment costs must be avoided.

“In the long-term, we should aim to avoid imports and exports being subjected to two sets of customs checks, and to ensuring the smoothest possible future trade relationship between the UK and EU.”