It seems that MPs have woken up to the oncoming post Brexit Customs catastrophe.
PAC has warned of the "catastrophic" scenario of
HMRC failing to have a back-up system in place if its Customs
Declaration Service (CDS) programme is not ready in time for Brexit.
A failed customs system could lead to huge disruption
for businesses, with delays potentially causing massive queues at Dover
and resulting in food being left to rot in trucks at the border.
Committee chair Meg Hillier said the body does not
yet have funding to increase the capacity of CDS to deal with the
consequences of Brexit – nor to develop contingency options.
She is quoted by
The Register:
"This is deeply worrying. HMRC requires a
relatively small sum to upgrade the current CHIEF system – a move which
would provide some peace of mind to traders, many of whom are still
operating with limited information and in great uncertainty."
HMRC started planning to replace its customs system,
known as Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight, prior to Brexit
following changes to EU legislation which would have been costly and
difficult to make using CHIEF's ageing technology.
The department has said using its existing CHIEF
system is the main contingency option if CDS isn't ready, something it
is developing as a contingency option in parallel with its
implementation of CDS.
Hillier is unimpressed:
"HMRC tells us it is merely 'in
conversation' over CHIEF upgrade costs when, on behalf of business and
the British public, it should be banging on the doors of the Treasury.
HMRC must press the case to secure this funding now and ensure that, if other plans fail, customs will be fit for purpose."
PAC "noted" that HMRC "is currently managing an unsustainable amount of change" which could put the delivery of CDS at risk.
"HMRC told us that CDS is one of its seven most
important programmes but we are concerned about the Department's ability
to balance its overall risks and ensure it puts emphasis on the right
areas," said the body.
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