A change to customs arrangements has been agreed, which will simplify the process of temporarily moving horses for racing and breeding into the UK.
In the majority of cases after the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, purebred dogs crossing the border for such purposes must be accompanied by a financial guarantee, equivalent to 20% of the value. of them.
Although the bail will be refunded once the horse returns home, there have been concerns about both its cash flow issues and its performance as a deterrent to international participation.
The mature industries Brexit steering group has reported that a new “industry-specific facilitation” has been agreed with HMRC to allow intermediaries such as carriers and shippers to apply for authorization. rights allowing them to move the hybrid in various forms of ownership without guarantee. provided.
It follows an adjustment earlier this year by Revenue Ireland that horses coming to Ireland to race will no longer have to pay a VAT deposit, although that does not apply to herds.
Julian Richmond-Watson, the group’s chairman, said: “The Pure Industries Brexit Steering Group has engaged and has come up with proactive solutions on this issue, which has caused considerable concern. industry, in discussions with HM Treasury and HMRC.
Horses are loaded on the plane
“We are therefore grateful to HMRC for the concrete facilitation of this industry, recognizing both the financial value and importance of the international movement of purebred breeds and the challenges faced by them. Guarantee requests have been placed on owners and breeders looking to run their horses or livestock in the UK.”
The news was welcomed by the managing director of Irish Customs Support, John Dawson, who has been assisting in transporting Irish-trained horses to major festivals since regulations were tightened. He believes the new measure will support his business since it is already in the UK.
Dawson, representing the company also known as Bell Transport and Logistics, said: “Most horses going through will need an export certificate issued by an Irish company and then a UK company. done, but we can do all our work our own company registered in the UK.
“I applied for a provisional authorization a few weeks ago, so should be now. We’re doing the full work, so are well-equipped for this deal, but other businesses aren’t yet. registered in the UK and will need to do so.”
The steering group has been put in place to ensure a stable future framework for the racing industry after Brexit.
Richmond-Watson added: “There are still significant challenges around the practicality of the post-Brexit purebred movement, which, while our industry has adapted, can be improved through government action. Work with industry on the obvious solutions available.
“We are committed to improving the situation and providing a stable long-term solution whereby the movement of Thoroughbred Horses for international competition and breeding, underpinned by the highest standards of health health and welfare of horses, is done.”
