Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD BOY
But you are simply describing a problem which can be resolved by having a trade and services agreement, incorporating a bespoke customs agreement for the UK. It’s not really what I would call rocket science. It is simply a matter for negotiation.
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It is possible to avoid the certificate of origin issue I posted and that’s where goods clear customs in one country and can then be exported freely to other countries. To be able to do that, you need a common external tariff. The EU want to impose an anti dumping tariff of 100% on Chinese steel but the UK doesn’t. If the UK imposes a 20% tariff, what’s to stop China importing to the UK and then the UK exports to the EU at a lower tariff. That’s what this certification stops.
If there’s a common tariff, then the certification isn’t needed. Unfortunately, that’s a customs union which HMG has said we’re leaving.
Personally, I think we will be in a customs union with the EU after leaving but it won’t be called that.