On 22 January 2016 HM Revenue and Customs issued the Customs Vision for 2020 setting out the aspirations of UK Customs in the next five years.
These include the aim to facilitate legitimate trade, protect society and grow the economy. UK Customs aims to position the UK internationally where it can provide input into global direction. The business environment is changing with the expansion of the EU single market; conclusion of the WTA Trade Facilitation Agreement; completion of the EU-US Free Trade Agreement; emergence of new global trading partners ; massive growth of internet trade; increasing international trade prohibitions and restriction; and increasing complexity of supply chains.
The UK will aim to influence customs policy and legislation at international level by using opportunities presented by the WTA Trade Facilitation Agreement and capacity building programs. Within the EU the UK will press for improvements to the functioning of the customs union.
Within the UK the aim is to implement a legal and policy framework to promote a modern business environment. By coordinating the work of government agencies at the borders Customs aims to reduce costs and compliance burdens for business. This involves an integrated response by government agencies at the border to provide transparent, seamless processing and minimum disruption to business.
