Preparing for a customs audit

A business’ customs compliance obligations do not end when a declaration is submitted to HMRC.

On a recent IOE&IT webinar on 30 March, traders were told that they need to retain documentation relating to their exports and imports for a period of up to six years.

A key reason for this is that HMRC could conduct an audit on your business, and you will need to provide evidence to prove your business’ compliance with customs rules and procedures.

A quarter of the attendees on the March webinar said they were not confident or sure if they had kept records going back six years. A similar figure (30%) said they would not feel prepared for a customs audit were one to happen in their business tomorrow.

On Monday 25 April 2022, the IOE&IT ran another free webinar on how businesses can prepare for a customs audit.

It covered:

- A recap of documentary evidence you need to keep
- What HMRC looks for when conducting an audit
- What happens during an audit
- What happens after
- How to prepare for one

[ranelrae]

Would you kindly explain me briefly about desk Audit?