CDS BIRDS Declarations and Customs Clearance Request Completion Instructions Released

HMRC has published detailed data element completion instructions for Customs Declaration Service (CDS) Customs Clearance Requests (CCRs), which handle inventory releases for import declarations previously known as C21 forms. These instructions provide guidance specific to CDS BIRDS declarations and apply exclusively to import-related customs clearance processes. The guidance assists customs agents and importers in correctly completing the required data fields when submitting import declarations through the CDS system.

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

Employment Rights Act 2025 commencement order extends tribunal claim deadlines to six months from October 2026

Section 152 and Schedule 12 of the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force on 1st October 2026, doubling the time limit for bringing claims to employment tribunals from three months to six months. The amendment applies to the procedures and deadlines for instituting employment tribunal claims under the 2025 Act. This change affects employers, employees and representatives handling employment disputes who will have extended periods to lodge claims within the tribunal system.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

UK Regional Trade in Goods Statistics Released for Q2 2026

The latest quarterly regional trade statistics provide a detailed breakdown of UK overseas trade in goods for April to June 2026, disaggregating data across nine English regions alongside separate figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This accredited official statistical release enables analysis of trade patterns and performance at the devolved and regional level rather than at the national aggregate only. The data covers goods trade flows both inbound and outbound across all constituent parts of the UK.

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

HMRC releases guidance on alternative dispute resolution for compliance check disputes

HMRC has published a factsheet outlining the alternative dispute resolution process available to traders who wish to challenge findings or disagree with outcomes during compliance checks. The guidance explains how businesses can pursue dispute resolution as an alternative to formal appeals, providing a framework for resolving disagreements that arise during the compliance check process.

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

Scotland Updates Designated Sports Grounds List for Alcohol Control Regulations

The Scottish government has amended the 2014 Sports Grounds and Sporting Events Designation Order to update which sports venues and event types fall under alcohol control provisions under Scottish criminal law. The amendment modifies the list of designated grounds, classes of sporting events at those venues, and sporting events held outside Great Britain that are subject to Part II of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995. These changes affect how alcohol restrictions are enforced at Scottish sporting venues and related events.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

Merchant Shipping Marine Equipment Regulations Updated Through Correction Slip

A correction slip has been issued to update the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations, which consolidates and replaces the 2016 regulations along with two EU Exit amendment regulations from 2019. The revised regulations streamline the framework governing marine equipment standards for vessels operating under UK jurisdiction. This consolidation removes redundant provisions while maintaining compliance requirements for marine equipment certification and approval.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

NHS Injury Cost Recovery Scheme Regulations Updated for 2026

The Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) (Information Provision and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 modify existing rules governing how the NHS recovers costs from treating personal injuries. The amendments adjust the 2006 and 2015 regulations that establish the framework for charging defendants and insurers for NHS treatment provided to injured parties. These changes affect the information that must be provided and the amounts recoverable under the injury cost recovery scheme established by the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

Tax adviser registration requirements with HMRC: when you need to register for agent services

Tax advisers must register for an HMRC agent services account to act on behalf of clients, though registration requirements vary depending on your specific role and the scope of services you provide. The registration process enables advisers to interact with HMRC systems and submit tax matters on client behalf. Advisers should check the current criteria to determine their registration obligations, as exemptions or different requirements may apply depending on whether you provide occasional or regular tax advice services.

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

HMRC launches reporting form for unnnotified exports at UK ports

Exporters can now use a dedicated form to report shipments that departed UK ports without being declared through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). The facility allows businesses to notify HMRC of exports that were not properly notified at the time of arrival or departure from UK ports. This reporting mechanism helps traders rectify compliance gaps and ensures HMRC has accurate records of cross-border movements.

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

HMRC Charities Service Status and Availability Updates

HMRC has published guidance setting out the current operational status of its Charities online service, including any technical issues or scheduled maintenance that may affect users. The guidance allows charity representatives and administrators to check whether the service is available before submitting applications or managing their charity’s tax affairs online. Users can refer to this resource to identify any known problems that might impact their ability to access or use the service during normal business operations.

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