THE BUSINESS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
THE BUSINESS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Steve Bartlett, Chairman of the Association of Freight Software Suppliers (AFSS), is warning of a "very high risk of disruption" in January for Traders using the Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) as HMRC attempt to deploy a major change that is incomplete and will not be ready in time".
There appears to be little or no information on the intended changes on the HMRC website.
Bartlett says the key issue is that, from discussions with members of the AFSS, most software developers will not be ready to implement the changes in time for the HMRC's January 2024 deadline because HMRC has given them too little time to build, test and implement changes for their customers.
He told The Exporter: "At a meeting with HMRC last week we pointed out that technical specifications are incomplete and changing all the time, and that recent testing has also identified new issues to an ever-growing list. It is also our impression that HMRC themselves are not ready for this change.
"The net result is that we have less than five weeks in which to do this which would normally take three to six months, so there is a definite risk that Traders will have to resort to the fullback process, which I understand is not a process for long term use and will cause delays.
"So, today I demanded that HMRC approach the EU to secure a postponement for the implementation, which so far, they seem to have been reluctant to do.
"My best advice for Traders is to contact their software supplier to get an update, and perhaps use their influence to lobby HMRC with their concerns."
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