Research and analysis

Qualitative research on changes in trader behaviour

Research with UK traders (businesses and intermediaries) to understand possible changes to behaviour following the UK's proposed departure from the EU in 2019.

From:
HM Revenue & Customs
Published
15 July 2025

Documents

Qualitative research on changes in trader behaviour: research report

Ref: HMRC Research Report: 776

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Details

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) commissioned IFF Research to undertake qualitative research with traders to understand possible changes to behaviour after the UK’s proposed exit from the EU in March 2019 (this date was postponed).

This research specifically looks at 2 potential scenarios for the UK’s exit:

  • a Facilitated Customs Arrangement (FCA) whereby the UK would apply the EU’s tariffs and trade policy for goods intended for the EU, and its own for those intended for the UK

  • a Day 1 No Deal (D1ND) scenario, under which existing regulations for non-EU trade could apply to all goods imported to or exported from the UK

IFF Research conducted 49 in-depth interviews, some by telephone and some face-to-face. Forty-one interviews were with UK traders: 16 with businesses and 25 with intermediaries, which includes freight forwarders, customs agents, fast parcel operators and hauliers.

Eight interviews were conducted with international traders: 1 with a business and 7 with intermediaries. The interviews achieved are not intended to be fully representative of all traders.

All interviews took place between 27 September and 9 November 2018.

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Published 15 July 2025

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