Skillnet Ireland has officially launched a free online training programme aimed at helping Irish businesses to deal with increased customs requirements which are pending due to Brexit.

Clear Customs is part of the Government’s Brexit action plan for businesses trading with or through Great Britain, who face a range of new customs formalities and other regulatory requirements after the transition period ends on 31 December.

Declarations to rise

The skills agency estimates that the number of customs declarations required will increase from the current 1.6 million a year to an estimated 20 million after the UK’s departure from the EU’s customs union and single market.

It points out that these changes will happen regardless of the outcome of the continuing negotiations between the EU and UK on future trading arrangements.

The Clear Customs programme has been developed in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Mobile app

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar warned that businesses faced increased bureaucracy and costs, but the new programme was part of an initiative aimed at making the transition as seamless as possible.

Clear Customs is being made available immediately to eligible businesses, as well as customs agents and intermediaries, and will be delivered through a new mobile app and virtual classroom training sessions.