Measure
The government is introducing voice biometrics, using AI in customer services and compliance plans, and running a customs digitalisation pilot sharing trusted trader credentials with US Customs and Border Protection. It is hoped that this will create a modern and effective tax and customs system.
As announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, further measures will be brought in to simplify customs systems, including the publication of a transformation roadmap, to reduce administrative burdens so that businesses spend less time on customs administration.
Finally, following business applications, the government is temporarily suspending tariffs on goods including plywood and a range of food stuffs until June 2027.
All businesses with international trade, but specifically those with supply chains to the US, and those businesses involved in trade of plywood and food stuffs.
The tariff suspension comes into effect immediately. For the other measures, commencement dates are to be determined.
The customs digitalisation pilot is part of an effort to achieve a more seamless integration of trade between the UK and the US, reflecting the high level of trade with the US.
The measures to simplify customs processes are part of the government’s stated intention to drive economic growth. Finally, the suspension of tariffs is an extension to the suspensions that came into effect on 11 April 2024, and will be welcomed by importers wishing to avoid increased costs.