Archives



Business, Forwarding, Freight News


BIFA welcomes longer time for customs grants

[ April 23, 2019   //   ]

The funding was initially revealed in December 2018, and the deadline for applications is now 31 May 2019.
Robert Keen, director general of BIFA said: “This scheme is intended to help support the extra demand for customs brokerage services associated with the UK’s departure from the EU, as well as issues associated with the replacement of the current system used to process customs entries.
“During our meetings with both HM Treasury and HMRC, BIFA highlighted the concerns of our members regarding the capability of the Customs brokerage sector to increase capacity, at a time when that sector already faces a shortage of staff of suitable quality.
“We emphasised that it could take up to a year to train staff to be fully conversant to prepare a range of basic Customs declarations, even if there was a sufficient number of trainers to train those staff, as well as relevant courses for them to attend.
“So, the news of an extension to the deadline for this funding is very welcome, and we are encouraging our members to apply; if they have not done so already.”

Tags: