Recommendation 25

We are concerned that industry bodies have said that government has not provided key information needed by businesses to prepare, such as detailed guidance on how to apply for simplified customs procedures.70 The Cabinet Office provided an update on the status of two specific systems. The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) is a new core HMRC system that will be required for July 2021 for the full implementation of import controls, though it will be used in a more limited scope for transit functionality at the border at the end of December. GVMS is currently in the testing stage and the Cabinet Office believes the testing will be completed in early December. “Check an HGV is ready to cross the border”, previously called Smart Freight, is a web service which the Cabinet Office told us will be available on GOV.UK. and is designed to minimise disruption at the border through allowing drivers and hauliers to check they have the necessary paperwork in place to cross the border successfully. If documentation is missing, then it will indicate 63 Qq 22, 30 64 Q 27 65 Q 24 66 Qq 34, 59; C&AG’s Report, Figure 1 67 Qq 59, 88Q 59 68 Qq 58–59; C&AG’s Report, Figure 1; Announcement from the Cabinet Office at https://www.gov.uk/government/ news/government-accelerates-border-planning-for-the-end-of-the-transition-period 69 Q 25 70 Q 88 Whitehall preparations for EU Exit 17 to the user that they should not travel until the correct documentation is in place. If all documentation is present, then it should link to the issuing of a Kent Access Permit to the user. This service will be mandatory for all drivers and hauliers using the short Channel crossings. However, it will not be operational until the end of December. We are concerned in both cases that the timetables given leave little margin before they must be operational and, in the case of the “Check an HGV is ready to cross the border” service, it is not clear what time there will be for users to become familiar with the system