Preasráitis
New Government initiative to help customs capacity post-Brexit
Ó An Roinn Airgeadais; An Roinn Oideachais
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Ó An Roinn Airgeadais; An Roinn Oideachais
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
The Irish Government, in association with key industry partners, today (7 August) launches a new support measure to help customs agents, intermediaries and affected Irish businesses develop the capacity to deal with the additional customs requirements due to the UK’s departure from the EU, notably under No Deal.
The number of customs declarations required is estimated to rapidly increase due to Brexit, from 1.6m annually to an estimated 20m after Brexit.
Clear Customs has been designed by industry for industry as they prepare for the new customs requirements post-Brexit. The initiative, which is being made available immediately to customs agents, intermediaries and eligible businesses free of charge, comprises of two elements:
Clear Customs is the latest Government initiative developed to further address the significant risk identified in the government contingency planning that, despite the series of measures already undertaken, there will not be enough capacity in the customs agents sector in the period immediately following a no deal Brexit. Previous actions in the area have included the rolling out of customs training courses across the country through both the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland, together with the introduction of changes to the employment permit system to allow an additional 300 workers to come to Ireland for customs roles.
Skillnet Ireland is now seeking expressions of interest from businesses who wish to develop their customs capacity. Businesses should visit skillnetireland.ie/clearcustoms to learn more and register for the initiative. Expressions of interest for Customs Financial Support payment must be made via the Skillnet Ireland website before 20th September 2019.
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, said:
“If you trade with the UK, Brexit will most definitely impact your business. This targeted measure is aimed at supporting and incentivising capacity building in the customs agent sector. This is complementary to the government’s overall efforts to support and facilitate smooth and efficient trade flows. You should make necessary preparations now to minimise disruption to your business come 31 October – register for an EORI number, work out how you are going to make your customs declarations and if you will require a customs agent to assist you.”
Commenting on the new initiative, Minister Heather Humphreys TD called on businesses to act now before the Brexit deadline:
“Many businesses are telling me that it is difficult to plan for a situation that remains so unpredictable. That is understandable. It can be difficult for firms to plan from week-to-week let alone beyond that and into the unknown. Notwithstanding the uncertainty, however, there are several areas where they can take immediate action to prepare. This Clear Customs initiative is one of those areas, so I am advising businesses to start now and not leave it too late.”
Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation and Research and Development, John Halligan TD, said:
“Clear Customs is key to ensuring that businesses are supported to upskill staff rapidly by 31st October 2019 to deal with any new customs challenges. Government recognises the need for support in this area and this free training from Skillnet Ireland is an important step in ensuring businesses are prepared. We are calling on business owners to provide leadership and avail of this opportunity to train their staff in customs clearance procedures, pre-empting Brexit related customs implications for their business.”
The Clear Customs initiative is led by Skillnet Ireland, the government agency responsible for workforce development, together with Enterprise Ireland. The training programme has been designed in close collaboration with key industry associations and will be delivered by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Skillnet, in conjunction with the Irish Exporters Association and Irish International Freight Association.
Launching Clear Customs, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive Paul Healy said:
“At Skillnet Ireland we pride ourselves on our ability to respond quickly and effectively to the skills challenges that business face right across the economy. Clear Customs is a powerful example of what can be achieved through effective collaboration between the State, the business community and training providers."
Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Julie Sinnamon said:
“Since the UK Referendum vote, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices have developed and are delivering a wide range of specific supports in key areas to assist businesses prepare for Brexit. Transport and Logistics is one of those key areas where companies need to research and examine their supply chains, customs procedures, product certification and licensing processes to ensure they are Brexit ready. This new customs training support scheme we are launching will further assist companies increase their capabilities in this important area whilst also helping to reduce disruption to trade following Brexit.”
ENDS
Interviews and other media queries
Paul Healy, CEO, Skillnet Ireland is available for media interviews in relation to the Clear Customs initiative.
For media queries, please contact:
Sinéad O’Donnell, Carr Communications
+353 85 131 7677
About Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland is the government agency dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of in employment upskilling. Skillnet Ireland operates on an enterprise led basis, working with over 50 industry representative groups, and assisting 16,000 firms and 60,000 trainees each year.
About Enterprise Ireland (EI)
Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. EI works in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets.
About the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs)
The Local Enterprise Offices work in partnership with the Local Authorities, Enterprise Ireland and are funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The LEOs network assists micro enterprises and small businesses to help them start, grow and expand and offer advice and guidance in respect to procedures relating to import and export processes. There are 31 Local Enterprise Offices located nationwide.
About CILT Skillnet
CILT Skillnet in partnership with other representative bodies are delivering the Customs Clearance on behalf of Skillnet Ireland. The CILT Skillnet is promoted by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and is open to private enterprises across these sectors throughout the Republic of Ireland. The objective of this national network is to support the growth of Ireland’s logistics, transport and supply chain sectors by enhancing the specialised knowledge and skills, increasing access to skills development opportunities and encouraging ongoing professional development. www.skillnetireland.ie/networks/cilt-skillnet/
Government’s Brexit Contingency Action Plan: Trader Customs Requirements, Education and Supports
The macroeconomic and trade implications for Ireland of a no deal Brexit would be pronounced, with differentiated impacts on certain sectors and companies. New checks and controls on British trade (including both exports and imports) will also impact trade. VAT and excise would arise on goods imports. In a no deal scenario, Irish-UK trade would be subject to tariffs and duties. The government has put in place a number of measures to advise and support businesses to prepare for new customs requirements in a no deal scenario:
For all information regarding Brexit, please see the government website: gov.ie/brexit.