EXPP1030 - Introduction: roles and responsibilities

Note: This manual is under review following Brexit and is likely to be withdrawn. If there is anything within this manual you use regularly, please email hmrcmanualsteam@hmrc.gov.uk to let us know. Please check the other guidance available on GOV.UK from HMRC.

Customs Directorate are responsible for assuring the policy procedures and practices for staff controlling export freight to third countries from the UK.

Within Data Capture, CHIEF Operations are responsible for the maintenance and development of CHIEF Import Export System (IES) and Management Support System (MSS). MSS provides HMRC and the trade with historic data for imports, exports and warehousing movements within the UK.

Individuals and Small Business Compliance (ISBC Complex & Agents), National Clearance Hub (NCH) and UK Border Force Officers (BF) have responsibility for:

  • performing checks to ensure compliance with the Union law with UCC still applies for Northern Ireland and national law for GB
  • preventing the export of prohibited goods
  • interpreting departmental guidance and local and national profiles prior to release of cargo
  • dealing with queried declarations
  • monitoring post clearance adjustments on NES declarations.

ISBC C&A is responsible for operational compliance work across a range of regimes.

National Clearance Hub is responsible for clearance of imports and exports entries in the UK, they also handle customer enquiries.

National Clearance Hub
Ralli Quays
3 Stanley Street
SALFORD
M60 9HL

See links to National Clearance Hub webpages for contact details and opening times.

General Import, Export and International Trade enquires can be made to the HMRC Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434.

Border Force (link is external) is a law enforcement command within the Home Office. Border Force secures the border by facilitating the legitimate movement of individuals and goods, whilst preventing those that would cause harm from entering the UK. This is achieved through the immigration and customs checks carried out at ports and airports.

(This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000)

Role of Customs Border Process and Declarations, EU Exit and Borders

Comprised of both policy and technical teams, they aim to:

  • provide clear and correct policy interpretation of national legislation and EU legislation where applicable for Northern Ireland protocols
  • provide UoE with assistance with policy guidance, advising in difficult cases
  • provide Assurance officers with guidance and advice in cases of doubt and difficulty
  • support and advise the NCH
  • review and revise policy where necessary
  • ensure export controls are administered in an efficient, effective and economic way and are, consistent with national legislation.