The Government held further town hall meetings on Monday and Tuesday this week with members of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce and the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

HM Government of Gibraltar has continued its programme of engagement with the business community through further town hall meetings held on Monday and Tuesday this week with members of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce and the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses. 

The meetings were led by the Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia and the Minister for Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez. They were also attended by representatives of HM Customs and by the CEO of Business, John Paul Fa. 

Further to the town halls already held with other stakeholders and sectors, the Government met on Monday with members of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce and yesterday with members of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses. 

A wide range of questions were raised by businesses across different sectors, including in relation to practical preparations, customs processes, the movement of goods, business readiness and the publication of further guidance. 

Businesses were reminded that traders wishing to operate directly within EU customs systems and transit procedures will generally require both a NIF and an EORI. The EORI is the customs identification number used for customs declarations, import and export movements and other customs formalities. 

However, businesses were also advised that where they import goods through a customs agent who completes the customs formalities and pays the relevant taxes and duties, including Transaction Tax where applicable, from that agent’s own account on their behalf, they will not require an EORI for those movements. 

Businesses with customs-related queries were also advised that they may contact HM Customs by email at [email protected]. 

The meetings formed part of the Government’s continued engagement with the private sector as Gibraltar prepares for the implementation phase of the UK-EU Treaty. They also provided an opportunity for businesses to raise specific operational concerns directly with Ministers and officials. 

The Government will continue to work closely with the Chamber, the GFSB and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that businesses are kept informed, supported and able to prepare properly for the changes ahead. 

The Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia, said: “The implementation of the Treaty will bring practical changes for businesses, particularly in relation to customs procedures and the movement of goods. That is why it is important that Government continues to engage directly with those who will be affected in their day-to-day operations. 

“It is important to remember that the alternative to the Treaty was not the status quo. It was greater uncertainty, more friction and a far less stable framework for Gibraltar and for our business community. The task now is to ensure that implementation is understood and delivered in the most practical way possible. 

“These further town halls are part of a wider programme of engagement with different sectors of the community. They allow businesses to ask questions directly of Ministers, HM Customs and officials, and they help Government identify where further guidance or clarification is required.” 

Minister for Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: 

“Our objective is to ensure that businesses are properly informed and supported as Gibraltar prepares for Treaty implementation. The questions raised by Chamber and GFSB members were practical, detailed and constructive, and they will help shape the further guidance we provide. 

“It is important that traders understand what is required if they intend to import directly, including the need for a NIF and EORI where applicable. It is equally important that businesses understand that, where they import through a customs agent who completes the formalities and pays the relevant taxes and duties on their behalf, they will not require an EORI for those movements. 

“The Government will continue to work closely with the Chamber, the GFSB and the wider business community to ensure that businesses have the information they need to prepare with confidence.”