SPE13535 - Supply Balance (economic code 05): retrospective authorisation

Note: This manual is under review following Brexit and is likely to be withdrawn. If there is anything within this manual you use regularly, please email hmrcmanualsteam@hmrc.gov.uk to let us know. Please check the other guidance available on GOV.UK from HMRC.

Although a supply balance certificate may be available at the time goods are imported, the certificate does not become effective until the IP authorisation under economic code 05 is issued. Any goods that are entered before an IP authorisation is issued cannot be considered under economic code 05. This means any retrospective IP authorisation under economic code 05 cannot be backdated beyond the date the application for authorisation was made.

If a certificate is presented with a retrospective IP application it should be returned to the RPA (or equivalent issuing authority). The trader can be advised to consider applying for IP under an alternative economic code.

Note - Northern Ireland (NI) Customs Authorisations will continue to fall within the provisions of the Union Customs Code (UCC), as retained by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and CEMA 1979