Customs and Trade News
Claudia Stroe
Certified Customs Practitioner | Export and Import Customs Procedures | Customs Compliance | Open to Exciting Opportunities to enhance my skills and stay updated on industry trends.
Welcome to the newest edition of my weekly newsletter, your go-to resource for all things customs and trade! Whether you're an importer, exporter, customs broker, or simply someone intrigued by the complexities of customs and trade, I am thrilled to have you on board.
New import controls and further changes will come into effect from 30 April 2024.?Medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products, and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU/EFTA will be subject documentary and risk-based identity, and physical checks.
From 30?April 2024 traders must:
Checks will no longer take place at Places of Destination (PoDs).
Additionally, imports from non-EU/EFTA risk assessed countries will begin to align with the BTOM regime. The health certification and routine checks on low-risk animal products, plants and plant products from non-EU countries will be removed (they will be subject to intelligence-led interventions) and physical and identity checks on medium-risk animal products will be reduced.
From 30th April any urgent BTOM/import queries for animal products should be directed to the Port Health Authority (PHA) at your nominated Border Control Post (BCP).???
Find your PHA contact details at your nominated BCP on this map.
From 30 April 2024, you will need to pay the common user charge if you are a UK business importing a consignment of goods that:
The charge will apply even if the authorities do not select your consignment for?SPS?checks.
Source: Port Health
The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has issued a new notice to exporters highlighting recently issued compound settlements for breaches of strategic export controls.
Between January and March 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued compound settlement offers to 6 UK exporters totalling over ￡1.3 million.
These settlements relate to unlicensed exports of Military listed goods, dual use goods and related activity controlled by The Export Control Order 2008.
Over the 12 months, HMRC has seen an increase in the number of voluntary disclosures relating to:
Exporters should ensure that they comply with licensing requirements. Guidance is available on GOV.UK issued by the Export Control Joint Unit, namely Checklist of internal export control compliance procedures and Compliance code of practice for export licensing.
The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has issued a new notice to exporters highlighting recently issued compound settlements for breaches of Russian Sanctions.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued a compound settlement of over ￡1 million to a UK exporter in March 2024. The settlement of ￡1,058,781.79 relates to export of goods in breach of The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Non-compliance with sanctions legislation is a serious offence. Those who breach sanctions may be subject to a range of enforcement actions, including large financial penalties or referral for criminal prosecution. Exporters should follow licensing requirements as laid out in Russia sanctions: guidance.
World Customs Organization (WCO) joins WIPO to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day. This year, WIPO has launched an awareness campaign with the theme: "IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity."
Celebrated annually on April 26th, World Intellectual Property Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the role that intellectual property rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. This awareness is vital for Customs administrations and consumers alike. Customs administrations, as key stakeholders in detecting counterfeit products in global supply chains, play an essential role in safeguarding intellectual property rights (IPRs). It's crucial to understand the harmful impact of trade in counterfeit goods and the dangers posed by these products. Consumers, should be encouraged to exercise increased vigilance when purchasing online.
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Source: WCO
South Africa has requested WTO dispute consultations with the European Union concerning certain aspects of the regime imposed by the European Union on the importation of South African citrus fruit. South Africa claims the EU measure appears to be inconsistent with various provisions of the WTO's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
Source: WTO
EU Parliament has given its final approval to a new regulation enabling the EU to prohibit the sale, import, and export of goods made using forced labour.
Member state authorities and the European Commission will be able to investigate suspicious goods, supply chains, and manufacturers. If a product is found to have been manufactured using forced labour, it will no longer be possible to sell it on the EU market (including online) and shipments will be intercepted at the EU’s borders.
Decisions to investigate will be based on factual and verifiable information that can be received from international organisations, cooperating authorities or whistle-blowers. Manufacturers of banned goods will have to withdraw their products from the EU single market and donate, recycle or destroy them. Non-compliant companies could be fined. The goods may be allowed back on the EU single market once the company eliminates forced labour from its supply chains.
Source: EU Parliament
Wednesday, 24th April, The European Commission initiated, for the first time an investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI).
Evidence gathered by the Commission indicates that China's procurement market for medical devices has gradually become more closed for European and foreign firms, as well as for products made in the EU.
This is attributed to measures introduced by China, which unfairly discriminate between local and foreign companies, as well as between locally produced and imported medical devices.
The first aim of an IPI investigation is to foster dialogue between competent authorities on removing discrimination in public procurement, for the benefit of all. Only if dialogue fails to deliver an equitable agreement will the Commission consider imposing IPI measures.
Friday, 26 April, the European Commission proposed new rules, negotiated with Canada, to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) use investment dispute resolution under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The new rules aim to streamline and simplify dispute resolution procedures under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), making it easier for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to access the investment court system (ICS), saving them time and money.
Key details of the proposal include:
Source: EU Commission
Chinese lawmakers voted on Friday to adopt a law on customs duties, strengthening its trade defence capabilities as the United States and the European Union take aim at Beijing over excess industrial capacity.
The law, scheduled to take effect on 1st December 2024, signals to China's biggest trade partners its ability to hit back should they impose tariffs on exports of the world's No.2 economy.
Source: Reuters