BOSSES of Bradford firms had their say to Government representatives over post-Brexit future customs arrangements.

The meeting, organised by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, saw more than 20 firms from the region, including manufacturers and engineers who both import and export, meet civil servants from the Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The firms, including Bradford-based BASF, Christeyns and Northern Design Metering Solutions, urged the Government to avoid a prolonged transition period, as this would add to increasing levels of uncertainty facing many firms.

It was suggested that the two-year period put forward by the Government was formed without adequate assessment of what was actually needed.

Civil servants heard two possible post-Brexit customs arrangements suggested; and for businesses to comment on the possible effects on their operations of these new models.

The two options put forward are aimed at smoothing the post-Brexit transition for firms.

The first features using technological solutions and sharing data, with the second being a complex system, similar to the EU’s approach but backed by rigorous tracking to clarify origin and destination of goods. The latter method would allow tariff reimbursements or paying additional duty where differences exist between EU and UK tariff rates.

The second idea suggest the UK would have no tariff barriers for EU trade – a position deemed unlikely, according to those at the meeting.

The businesses present said there was insufficient detail on either option at present, although they were keen to meet again with the civil servants.

Shulmans’ partner Andrew Latchmore, Chamber’s Brexit advisory group chairman, said: “The Chamber meeting was the latest in a series aimed at both seeking business views about Brexit, and creating a dialogue with Westminster and Whitehall to develop the new policies needed in this area.

“There is no precedent for these negotiations, nor the surrounding work.

“While the two models considered are certainly challenging, the representatives at the meeting stressed that these were models for consideration but other suggestions for customs models can and should be put forward.

“We must not still be in a position of uncertainty 12 months from now.”

The officials who attended the meeting agreed to return for future meetings once more views and evidence have been gathered.