‘Exponential growth’ in customs declarations – Revenue

2021 saw an “exponential growth” in the number of customs declarations, according to headline results published by Revenue today.

New EU VAT rules, which came into effect in July, and an increase in e-commerce which began during the pandemic saw a fourteen-fold increase in declarations.

Revenue reported that 25.4 million customs declarations were processed in 2021 compared to 1.8 million in 2020.

The headline results publication also contains information on trade with Great Britain.

It notes that 86% of freight vehicles arriving from Great Britain were “green route”‘ which means they travelled freely from port. 11% were subject to documentary checks and 3% were inspected or underwent a physical examination.

Revenue’s Director General of Customs, Gerry Harrahill said: “It is simply a reality of trading with Great Britain that certain types of goods now require a mandatory check.”

Today’s report also notes that the UK temporarily suspended the introduction of new import requirements for exports to Great Britain which were due to take effect from January 1.

It recommended that businesses make themselves familiar with and ready for changes “when the temporary suspension is lifted”.

The report also reveals that €4.6 billion was paid out under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to more than 47,600 employers in respect of 628,000 employees.

The Covid Restrictions Support Scheme paid out €470m to 24,500 business premises.

The Debt Warehousing Scheme which allows firms to “park” their tax liabilities was taken up by over 100,000 businesses and individuals resulting in the deferral of €2.9 billion in tax.

Revenue Chairman Niall Cody also noted that during 2021 six criminal convictions for serious tax evasion had been secured.

80 tax settlements were published in the List of Tax Defaulters and 125 tax avoidance cases were settled yielding €11.7m.

Revenue also seized 60 million illegal cigarettes valued at €43.5m and over 5,700 kilos of drugs valued at almost €115m.

The Debt Warehousing Scheme which allows firms to “park” their tax liabilities was taken up by over 100,000 businesses and individuals resulting in the deferral of €2.9 billion in tax.

Revenue Chairman Niall Cody also noted that during 2021 six criminal convictions for serious tax evasion had been secured.

80 tax settlements were published in the List of Tax Defaulters and 125 tax avoidance cases were settled yielding €11.7m.

Revenue also seized 60 million illegal cigarettes valued at €43.5m and over 5,700 kilos of drugs valued at almost €115m.

Article Source – ‘Exponential growth’ in customs declarations – RTE – Robert Shortt

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