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More than 88,000 companies which are in Britain's value-added
tax register will be allocated an Economic Operator Registration
and Identification (EORI) number in the next two weeks, the
finance ministry said on Wednesday.
So far, around 72,000 firms have registered for EORI numbers
which identify them for customs authorities.
"As the government accelerates its preparation to leave the EU
on Oct. 31, it's right businesses are prepared too," finance
minister Sajid Javid said.
"This will help ease the flow of goods at border points and
support businesses to trade and grow."
A group representing small businesses welcomed the move but said
companies also urgently needed tax measures to boost cash-flow
and adapt to any new trading circumstances from Nov. 1.
"If the nightmare of a chaotic no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31 becomes
a reality, our small traders will be the first ones off the
cliff," Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small
Businesses, said.
The FSB and the Confederation of British Industry, another
employers group, have previously urged the government to issue
EURI numbers automatically to businesses.
New Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he wants Britain to
leave the EU with a transition deal but he says he is prepared
for a no-deal Brexit if the bloc does not renegotiate the deal
it struck with his predecessor Theresa May.
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has warned that many
companies are not ready for the shock of a no-deal Brexit,
adding to the risk of a shock for the economy.
Johnson's government plans to double the support available for
customs agents to train new staff or invest in technology to
help businesses complete customs declarations.
(Writing by William Schomberg)
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