HMRC extends deadline for £8m of customs training funding

It said it was making the move to enable more businesses to benefit from the investment available and provide more time for applications.

The funding will support customs intermediaries and traders completing customs declarations, and can be used to help businesses meet the costs of employee training and IT improvements.

Treasury Minister, Mel Stride MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are doing everything we can to get businesses ready for the UK leaving the EU, however businesses also need to take action themselves to prepare.

“There is help available - we have provided funding to support businesses with customs processes, and we are now extending the deadline to 31 May 2019 giving more time for applications.

“We have already received over 300 applications, and I’d urge businesses to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

The grant funding builds upon the ongoing efforts of HMRC to get businesses ready for EU Exit, including having written several letters to 145,000 VAT registered businesses that trade with the EU to advise them how to prepare for a no deal scenario, and publishing more than 100 pages of guidance for businesses on processes and procedures at the border in a no deal scenario.