Explanatory note

These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 8(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies (in particular under sections 8(2)(a), 8(2)(b), 8(2)(g) and 8(3)(a)) arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

These Regulations make amendments to legislation in the field of trade statistics. Part 2 amends legislation about the Intrastat system (trade in goods between the United Kingdom and members of the EU). Part 3 amends legislation about the Extrastat system (trade in goods between the United Kingdom and countries outside the EU). This enables HM Revenue and Customs to collect and process trade statistics on the same basis as before the United Kingdom exited the EU, but in the context of its no longer being a member State.

This instrument is one of a group of instruments covered by a single overarching HMRC impact assessment which was published on 4th December 2018 and is available on the website at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/customs-vat-and-excise-regulations-leaving-the-eu-with-no-deal.