Columnist Robert McCullough, Head of Business Sector Engagement, Danske Bank
Managing New Trading Complexities With TSS
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orking out what impact operating under the new Northern Ireland Protocol will have on their business has been high on the list of challenges for trading companies in every sector since the turn of the year. As businesses get to grips with the new processes and rules that are now in place as a result of the UK having left the European Union but Northern Ireland remaining in the EU Customs Union, we have been ensuring our customers know where to turn for support on trade arrangements. While specific advice may differ for each company, one suggestion we have been giving to companies trying to navigate new trading arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is to sign up to make use of the new Trader Support Service (TSS). Launched by the UK government to help businesses navigate the movement of goods between GB and NI, the service is completely free to use and can even complete declarations on a company’s behalf. In an era where there is more red tape than ever at NI’s borders, we made the TSS the subject of our latest Danske Bank Advantage podcast, where Dr. Wendy Austin asked local business owners’ pressing questions to Frank Dunsmuir, Fujitsu’s Industry Lead for Customs & International Trade, and Shanker Singham, CEO of Competere – both senior members of the TSS. Frank and Shanker are experts in their field, with extensive experience in providing solutions to the complex implications on NI trade. Talking about the launch of TSS, Frank Dunsmuir said preparation for the transition on January 1 was “intense for everybody, with traders and the actual transport organisations and hauliers looking at the implications of what the changes will be and the introduction of new customs administration”. But he noted that the TSS had launched successfully and in its first months has helped advise many organisations on customs needs. “Obviously we need to educate traders about these new rules. Our 700-people-strong contact centre at TSS is there to help and is turning around enquires very rapidly, complex enquires that are dealt with in only a day or so. We also have the NI Customs and Trade Academy which is run by one of the TSS Consortium which does a huge amount of training and webinars to guide people through the new rules,” he said. Shanker Singham acknowledged everyone is still getting used to the new procedures required under the protocol, but also highlighted that the benefits of the arrangement should not be forgotten.
“Yes, there are disruptions, there are difficulties, but at the same time NI has been put in a very unique situation. If you are in Northern Ireland you have access to the EU 26 countries on completely free terms, and to GB on largely free terms. There is no other place on earth that can deliver that amount of unfettered access to multiple customs territories,” he said. “If we can get through this period, and make sure we get goods flowing from GB to Northern Ireland, then the future for NI is a lot brighter than people are currently assuming.” One reason we’ve been keen to point customers to the TSS is that companies only need to go through a simple registration process online at www.tradersupportservice.co.uk to use the service. Once logged in they enter their EORI number, which recognises them as a trader across different customs regions. Users should be able to use the system straight away after signing up. The debate is continuing at a political level about whether the NI Protocol can be changed, but whatever happens with it, it’s clear there will be slightly different trading arrangements for local firms to understand and adjust to than there was before. Contacting the TSS to speak to people who can tell you exactly what you need to do should be the first step for any exporting or importing business. The Danske Advantage podcasts and other support for businesses are available at https://danskebank.co.uk/business/ advantage
“If you are in Northern Ireland you have access to the EU 26 countries on completely free terms, and to GB on largely free terms. There is no other place on earth that can deliver that amount of unfettered access to multiple customs territories.” 20
