Day: 3 July 2026

A correction slip has been issued to amend the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations 2014, which governs mandatory energy audits for large UK businesses. The changes address technical or drafting issues within the existing ESOS framework that requires eligible organisations to assess their energy consumption and identify cost-effective saving measures. This correction ensures the regulatory text accurately reflects the intended compliance requirements for affected enterprises.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

The Procurement (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 postpone the implementation of changes to government contract publication requirements by six months. Regulation 5, which governs the discontinuation of Contracts Finder and transition to a central digital platform, will now take effect on 1st May 2027 instead of 1st October 2026. This deferral affects public sector organisations and suppliers using UK government procurement channels.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

HMRC has published guidance for users experiencing technical or operational difficulties when submitting declarations through the Customs Declaration Service. The guidance outlines the process for reporting problems and obtaining support from HMRC to resolve submission issues. This resource is intended to help traders and customs agents troubleshoot and escalate declaration-related problems efficiently.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published updated guidance to assist importers and exporters in correctly classifying toys and games for customs purposes. The resource covers various product types within the toy and game category to help traders determine appropriate tariff codes and regulatory requirements. This guidance applies to UK businesses engaged in importing or exporting toys and games and aims to ensure consistent and accurate classification across the supply chain.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published accredited official statistics covering tax-advantaged Employee Share Schemes, providing data on participation and scheme usage across the UK. The statistics offer detailed insights into how many employees are benefiting from these schemes and their distribution across different sectors and company sizes. This statistical release enables businesses, policymakers, and compliance professionals to understand uptake trends and the economic impact of these tax-incentivised arrangements.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published a list of codes that traders must use in Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service to specify where goods will be held and examined at internal temporary storage facilities. The codes, contained in Appendix 16D guidance, enable customs to track the location of goods during temporary storage before onward processing. This applies to all traders using the Customs Declaration Service who store goods at designated internal facilities.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published guidance outlining the different categories of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status available to businesses operating in international supply chains. The guidance explains the specific requirements and advantages associated with each AEO status type, helping businesses identify which certification may be most relevant to their operations. AEO status provides customs benefits to compliant traders meeting defined security and safety standards.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has released the updated local reference rent data for residential properties across England, organised by broad rental market areas and property size categories for June 2026. The reference rent levels are used to determine eligibility thresholds for housing benefit claims and related welfare assessments. This data covers properties ranging from one to four or more rooms across all designated BRMAs in England.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Employers can now access HMRC’s directory of recognised payroll software solutions, available in both free and paid versions, to help them submit PAYE information online. The list enables businesses to identify compliant software options that meet HMRC’s technical standards for digital payroll reporting. This supports employers in meeting their obligations to file PAYE returns through approved digital channels.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has issued guidance on completing Soft Drinks Industry Levy returns, including the information that must be provided and the process for amending errors in previously submitted returns. The notice also sets out the records businesses must maintain to support their levy compliance, ensuring traders have clear direction on documentation and reporting obligations under the scheme.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original