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General News
15th March 2012
If you went to Germany on a business trip or exhibited at a German trade fair in 2011, you can potentially save approximately 16 percent of your business expenses by claiming back the German VAT you incurred during the trip.
Since 2010, British businesses can submit their claims via an online system with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Applications can be filed directly via standardised forms and, in most cases, original invoices will not have to be provided. Claims for 2011 have to be submitted to HMRC by 30th September 2012.
Further information can be obtained from the Tax Services Department of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, tel 020 7976 4160 or email vat.refund@ahk-london.co.uk
1st March 2012
The UKBA National Frontiers Approval Unit (NFAU) undertakes the management of, and delivery of the UK (air)port approvals and the majority of temporary storage facility approvals, on behalf of HMRC. The NFAU will be closed 19th March 2012 and re-opens 26th March 2012 due to moving to new offices.
New contact details will be:
National Frontier Approvals Unit, UK Border Agency, 1st Floor, Admin Block, The Cargo Centre, Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham B26 3QN Email: nationalfrontierapprovalsunit@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
17th February 2012
A small team of US business advisers will be meeting Hampshire companies between 14th and 16th March. From the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, they help firms to expand their US businesses, and can help with recruitment, legal issues, property and connecting with local firms.
If you are interested in meeting up or would like more information please call Charles Macdowell 020 7 823 6003 or email hreda@kendallscom.co.uk
14th November 2011
Customs Information Paper (11) 94 Customs Civil Penalties: Amended Legislation
The above information paper has been released by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). It covers changes to the contraventions which can be subject to civil penalties. Export regulatory breaches are effective from 11th November 2011, General customs regulatory breaches are effective from 15th November 2011. These changes are in response to the Security Amendment to the Community Customs Code Regulation 648/2005, Implementing Provisions Regulation 1875/2006 that required Member States to introduce new initiatives as a response to the increased focus on global security.
26th October 2011
Customs Information Paper (11) 89 Non-Compliance with the Export Procedure
The above information paper has been released by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). It covers the launch of the Export Best Practice Guide to assist traders to be compliant with export procedures to minimise non-arrived goods and unauthorised removals, actions which must be taken urgently to comply with HMRC export requirements, EXS Declarations, and responsibility of manufacturers selling goods Ex Works for export.
19th August 2011
The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce has launched a new online construction directory. "GermanContractors" is an easy to use database designed for British construction companies and developers, architects, project planners and specifiers.
The online directory encompasses companies working in a variety of industries from general construction and building installation to specialised architectural services, machinery installation and fixtures & fittings. Information about the companies also includes company size and references, where available. British companies can search for a partner that best fulfils their requirements and contact them directly.
"GermanContractors" is administered by the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce as part of their mission of promoting German-British business relations and free to use. For more information contact Michaela Böttcher on 020 7976 4165 or email info@germancontractors.co.uk or visit www.germancontractors.co.uk
16th June 2011
Launch of new export control advice services
The Export Control Organisation (ECO) launched on 6th June 2011 two new distinct advice services – namely the ‘Control List Classification Advice Service’ and the ‘End User Advice Service’. These new advice services replace the ‘Rating Enquiry Service’.
The new services are non-statutory sources of advice which are available for exporters of military or dual-use goods:
- To determine if their goods, software or technology are listed on the UK Strategic Export Control Lists and therefore an export licence is required prior to shipment.
- To request whether the ECO has Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) or Military End Use concerns relating to the end users of their goods, software or technology. (Advice available only if an exporter already knows that the goods are NOT listed on a Control List).
Both services are available via SPIRE, the ECO’s export licensing database (Registration required).
For more information see Notice to Exporters 2011/13
25th May 2011
ECO Notice to Exporters 2011/11 – Rating Enquiry Service closure and introduction of new advisory services
The Export Control Organisation (ECO) is planning to introduce two new advisory services at the beginning of June 2011. Both services will be available via SPIRE, the ECO's export licensing database.
The new services are:
The Control List Classification Advice Service - this service is available to advise exporters if their goods are listed on the UK Strategic Export Control Lists;
The End-User Advice Service - this service will extend the current Iran service to other destinations. It will however only be available to those exporters who have already satisfied themselves that their goods do not appear on the UK's Control Lists.
In conjunction with these changes, the ECO's current advisory services will close (for new enquiries). The Rating Enquiry Service will close on Thursday 26th May and the Iran Email End-User Advice Service will close on Wednesday 1st June.
Find out more details in Notice to Exporters 2011/11: www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/eco/docs/notices-to-exporters/2011/nte201111.doc
Further practical guidance for exporters is available on the Businesslink website at: www.businesslink.gov.uk/exportcontrol
You can access previously issued Notices via www.bis.gov.uk/exportcontrol and www.businesslink.gov.uk/exportcontrol and selecting the link to view "Notices to Exporters".
For general export control queries please contact the ECO Helpline on 020 7215 4594 or eco.help@bis.gsi.gov.uk
4th April 2011
Short-term credit insurance from ECGD
More British exporters, including many SMEs, are now eligible to apply for short-term credit insurance from ECGD, the UK export credit agency. ECGD's short-term insurance has previously only been available for capital exports, making it of interest to large exporters.
In the Trade and Investment for Growth white paper, the Government announced that this would be extended to include finished manufactures and intermediate goods. The contract value can be as low as £20,000. Exporters who want to know more about this should call the ECGD helpline on 020 7512 7887.
ECGD works with Exporters, project sponsors, banks and buyers to help UK exporters by providing insurance against non-payment risks to UK exporters and guarantees for bank loans to facilitate the arranging of finance to buyers of UK goods. It also provides insurance against political risks to UK investors in overseas markets.
23rd February 2011
New Control List Classification Search Tool Launched on SPIRE
To help exporter further in understanding whether their goods are controlled i.e. listed on the UK Strategic Export Controls List, the Export Control Organisation (ECO) has just released an upgrade to the SPIRE export licensing database. This upgrade introduces some new functionality - the Control List Classification Search Tool. Full information can be found in Notice to Exporters 2011/05
10th February 2011
New Support for Exporters
Four new schemes will be created to help exporters get access to credit and insure themselves against risk, and one existing scheme will be extended, the Government have announced. The Government believes rising exports will be crucial to securing economic growth and is taking steps to help UK firms compete internationally.
The new schemes will be:
- Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EEFG) established by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, offering export finance valued up to £1m to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is aimed at SME exporters with annual turnover up to £25m.
- Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) will launch the Export Working Capital Scheme for those not eligible for the EEFG, offering export finance worth over £1m.
- Bond Support Scheme offered by ECGD, under which the Government will share risk with lending banks on the issue of contract bonds.
- ECGD will support banks offering foreign exchange hedging contracts to SMEs by sharing credit risk.
In addition, ECGD will extend its existing short term export insurance to cover a broader range of exporters, including SMEs.
The Bond Support Scheme will be available from banks in March and the extended Export Insurance Policy direct from ECGD. The three other measures are each expected to launch in April.
2nd December 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have issued
CUSTOMS INFORMATION PAPER (10) 81
which will be of interest to both Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) and businesses interested in applying for AEO. The Notice covers:
Use of the AEO reduced data elements in the Import Control System (ICS) and NCTS;
Changes to the AEO Self Assessment Questionnaire for businesses applying for AEO from 1.1.2011;
An update on progress towards mutual recognition with Japan, the USA and China;
Confirmation of the benefits of AEO status when applying for a transit guarantee waiver or reduction of the guarantee amount.
26th November 2010
Traders of duty suspended excise goods are reminded that they need to switch from paper to the new online Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) on 1st January 2011. The new system is designed to reduce excise fraud.
The current paper system will end on 31st December 2010 for most movements of duty suspended excise goods from UK excise warehouses and production premises, after which traders must use EMCS. To use the new systems, traders must register online with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). After successfully registering HMRC will provide a user ID and activation PIN code. Traders must then activate EMCS within 28 days.
For further information visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/emcs
27th September 2010
Centralised Clearance is one of the key concepts promoted by the Modernised Customs Code (Article 106) to facilitate trade and reduce burdens in line with the Lisbon strategy for growth, prosperity and sustainability.
Centralised Clearance will enable an importer or exporter to make customs declarations in an electronic form to the Member State Customs Administration where he is established and keeps his customs records, irrespective of the place where the goods are entering and leaving the customs territory of the Community. It is envisaged that customs duty would be collected, repaid and remitted by the Customs Administration responsible for the place where the economic operator is established.
The inclusion of import VAT within a centralised clearance model is, however, a more challenging prospect as the current VAT rules require importers to account for VAT in the Member State of import.
In order to inform discussions and ensure that trade views are considered, the EU Commission has launched a public consultation on VAT collection procedures in relation to Centralised Customs Clearance.
The closing date for contributions is 31st October 2010 and HM Revenue & Customs would encourage stakeholders to participate. Details can be found through the following link to the EU Commission website: Customs consultations - European commission
3rd August 2010
Introduction of an electronic Binding Tariff Information (BTI) Ruling - BTI is a legally binding written tariff classification decision, given on request. BTI decisions are made under the terms of Council Regulation (EEC) 2913/92 of 12th October 1992 (as amended) establishing the Community Customs Code, and Implementing Provisions contained in Commission Regulation (EEC) 2454/93 of July 1993 (as amended). This forms part of Community law and applies in all Member States of the European Union.
Registration and enrolment to the eBTI service is completed on the Government Gateway website www.gateway.gov.uk this ensures that the online service is secure. Once a trader has activated their account they will be able to request Binding Tariff rulings by completing the e-application form on the HM Revenue & Customs website.
The service also provides interactive acknowledgement of receipt of request, detailed error responses to application completion and enables traders to view their rulings electronically. Currently, although a BTI application form is submitted electronically the BTI ruling is sent to the trader through the postal service. From 18th August 2010 traders can access their BTI rulings electronically. For further information contact Joyce Haslam Tel: 01702 367254 or email: joyce.haslam@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
16th March 2010
As of March 2010 the majority of the Export Control Organisation's (ECO) website pages are now published on the Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk/exportcontrol. At the same time the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) website has also been updated. The re-launched departmental website is www.bis.gov.uk
8th March 2010
Two British arms dealers were found guilty at Southwark Crown court on 8th February 2010 of trading in controlled goods with the intent to evade export controls. Full story can be found in Notice to Exporters 2010/08.
Export Controls is one of the many subjects the Chamber can arrange training in. For further information contact your local office.
Export Documentation
Users of e-Cert Express service are reminded that the pink page of Certificates of Origin, page 2 of ATRs and pages 3 and 4 of EUR1s should be returned to the Chamber once printed.
29th February 2012
We have been informed by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq that goods entering Iraq will require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Such CoC can be obtained from Bureau Veritas, as SGS will no longer be able to issue such CoC as from 5th March 2012.
In the absence of a CoC a letter of indemnity, on company headed paper, will be verified by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, and this will be required for each shipment requiring legalisation. The wording of such letter will be as follows:
"We the undersigned have undertaken the necessary checks for conformity requirements and we confirm that the shipment covered by our Certificate of Origin No........... and Invoice No............. does not require a Certificate of Conformity as directed by COSQC"
Export Documentation - EUR1 and A TR
EUR1s for Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Mexico, Israel, Egypt, Croatia and Lebanon must be manually signed and stamped.
Exporters are reminded that EUR1s for Chile and Mexico should state the first four digits of the Commodity Code in the general description of the goods.
Clarification: if the exporter manufactures some but not all of the products covered by the EUR1 then the second declaration must be used (Customs Notice 827 (b)(i). This is providing all of the products are manufactured in the EC & qualify for preference. A mixture of both the first (a) & second declarations (b)(i) is not acceptable.
Exporters are reminded that as from 1st April 2011 Notice 829 only explains and lists the rules of origins which must be satisfied if goods are to qualify for preferential Tariff treatment on export to or import from Syria. It no longer contains details of the rules of origin for goods exported to or imported from Ceuta and Melilla, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan; these can now be found in section 6 of Notice 828 It also takes account of Cyprus and Malta being part of the EU. Therefore the statement used in section 2 on page 4 of the EUR1 should only mention Notice 829 if shipment is being made to Syria.
19th December 2011
HM Revenue & Customs have issued a revised Exporter Statement for use with ATRs where no export declaration is available; template can be found on our website here
4th December 2009
Tariff Preferences: simplified proofs of origin - all of the EC's preferential trade arrangements provide for the use of simplified proofs of preferential origin for consignments with a total value of no more than €6000. The rate of exchange used to convert the Euro amounts into Pounds Sterling depends on the date of entry into force of the arrangement concerned.
A number of the preferential arrangements also provide for an annual revalorisation of the Sterling equivalents, and as a result of the current strength of the Euro against the Pound the Sterling equivalents will be increased for eligible products which are exported to certain countries on or after 1st January 2010. For further information see Notice CIP (09) 79
Carnets
12th April 2011 Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in Mexico from 16th May 2011
From 16th May 2011 the Mexico City National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) will become the 71st guaranteeing organisation member of the WCF/ATA international guarantee chain. The use of ATA Carnets will be accepted for temporary admissions operations by Customs for goods for display or use at exhibitions, trade fairs, meetings or similar events, professional equipment and commercial samples.
- ATA Carnets are not accepted for postal traffic or transit
- ATA Carnets are accepted for unaccompanied goods
- Translation of the list of goods into Spanish will be required
- Security Rate Chart details by Category codes will be 40% for all codes
Mexican Customs will apply charges to goods of no commercial value which are not re-exported. Mexican Customs allow temporarily imported goods to remain in their territory for six months. This period can be extended for a further six month period, provided the request for such an extension is made before expiry of the first six month period.
To facilitate importation holders must notify Mexican Customs in advance through CANACO's website www.camaradecomerciodemexico.com.mx/ata/ and enter the following information into their registration system:
- Type of ATA Carnet (original, duplicate, replacement)
- ATA Carnet number
- Substitute/replacement ATA Carnet number (if applicable)
- Name of the guaranteeing organisation
- Holder's name as per box A of the green cover
- Authorised representative's details as per box B of the green cover
- Date of issue/Date of expiry of the ATA Carnet (to be entered year/month/day)
- Intended use of the goods (as indicated in box C of the green cover)
- General description of the goods
- Total number of goods as per column 3 of the general list
- Total value of the goods as per column 5 of the general list
- Means of transportation (sea, air, road)
- Purpose of visit to Mexico
Once the information is accepted by CANACO they will notify Customs and the holder accordingly.
29th March 2011
Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 18th April 2011
From 18th April 2011 the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina will become the 70th guaranteeing organisation member of the WCF/ATA international guarantee chain. The use of ATA Carnets will be accepted for temporary admission operations and transit by Customs for goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings, or similar events, professional equipment, and commercial samples.
ATA Carnets are not accepted for postal traffic.
ATA Carnets are not accepted for unaccompanied goods.
Security Rate Chart details by Category codes are as follows: 40% for all codes.
The following customs offices of Bosnia and Herzegovina are authorised to process ATA Carnets during opening hours:-
A. Border crossings with Republic of Serbia:
Raca Vardište
Pavlovica most Uvac
Karaka Ustibar
Željeznicka stanica Bijeljina (Bijeljina railway station)
Željeznicka stanica Zvornik (Zvornik railway station)
B. Border crossings with Republic of Croatia:
Brcko Gorica
Orašje Doljani
Šamac Brod
Gradiška Hukica Brdo
Izacic Strmica
Kamensko Novi Grad
Željeznicka stanica Brcko (Brcko railway station)
Željeznicka stanica Šamac (Šamac railway station)
Željeznicka stanica Dobrljin (Dobrljin railway station)
Željeznicka stanica Martin Brod (Martin Brod railway station)
Željeznicka stanica Capljina (Capljina railway station)
C. Border crossings with Republic of Montenegro:
Hum Deleuša
Klobuk Metaljka
D. Border crossings in the air transport:
Airport Sarajevo Airport Banja Luka
Airport Mostar Airport Tuzla
24th March 2011
Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in the United Arab Emirates from 1st April 2011
From 1st April 2011 the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will become the 69th guaranteeing organisation member of the WCF/ATA international guarantee chain.
The use of ATA Carnets will be accepted for temporary admission operations and transit by Customs for goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings, or similar events.
ATA Carnets are not accepted for postal traffic.
ATA Carnets are accepted for unaccompanied goods.
Security Rate Chart details by Category codes are as follows: 20% for all codes.
ATA Carnets will be accepted by the UAE Member Customs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and processed by the following Customs offices:
Abu Dhabi – Port Zaye Sunday to Thursday 7.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. Saturday 8.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m
Abu Dhabi – International Airport Saturday to Thursday 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Dubai – Jabel Ali Port Sunday to Thursday 7.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. Saturday 8.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
Dubai International Airport Saturday to Friday 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Al-Maktoum International Airport Saturday to Friday 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Both ports in Abu-Dhabi will accept ATA Carnets from October 2011. Until then, only Dubai Ports and Airports will process Carnets.
2nd November 2010
Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in Macao from 1st November 2010
From 1st November 2010 Macao became the 68th guaranteeing organisation member of the WCF/ATA international guarantee chain. The use of ATA Carnets will be accepted for temporary admission operations and transit by Customs for three main categories of goods: Commercial samples, goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings, or similar events, and professional equipment.
ATA Carnets are not accepted for postal traffic.
ATA Carnets are accepted for unaccompanied goods.
Please note that as Hong Kong and Macao are two separate Customs territories, ATA Carnets issued for holders having to transit through Hong Kong, China on their way to Macao, must include additional white importation and re-exportation vouchers to be processed by Hong Kong Customs as well as blue transit vouchers (which may not be used) sufficient to cover both outward and return movements. All Customs offices and stations are authorised to accept ATA Carnets during the operation For further information contact your local Chamber office.
19th July 2010
Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in Moldova from 1st July 2010
From 1st July 2010 Moldova became the 67th guaranteeing organisation member of the WCF/ATA international guarantee chain. The use of ATA Carnets will be accepted for temporary admission operations by Moldovan Customs for three main categories of goods: commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings or similar events.
ATA Carnets are not accepted for unaccompanied goods or postal traffic or transit.
Security rate will be 33% for all categories.
The following Customs posts in Moldova have the right to process ATA Carnets during working hours:
International Airport Chisnau, road crossing points Briceni-Rossosani, Tudora-Starokazacie, Criva-Mamaliga auto, Lipcani-Radauti Prut, Sculeni-Sculeni, Leuseni-Albita, Cahul-Oancea.
21st December 2009
ISF filing is required by all shipments entering the United States on ocean vessel. This means that all goods entering the US via ship are required to provide 10 new data elements. Two additional items must be submitted by the carrier. From 26th January 2010 US Customs Border Protection (CBP) will impose penalties for breaches of ISF filing. ATA Carnets are not exempt from importer security filing (ISF, also known as 10+2). However, ATA Carnet shipments ARE exempt from posting the bond required of other shipments entering or re-entering the US via vessel. Except for the provision of the six digit HTSUS codes, the information needed to complete the ISF can be found on the Carnet or available from the broker clearing the entry. For further information see ATA Carnet and ISF Filing.
7th December 2009
Operation of the ATA Carnet System in Lebanon - the acceptance of Jewellery under cover of ATA Carnets. At present we can only guarantee acceptance for 'International Trade Fair goods' and 'Professional equipment'. Recent clarification from Lebanon details the following requirements which are mandatory:
Jewellery may be displayed at fairs, exhibitions, congresses or similar events, but not fairs organised for private purposes in shops or local premises with a view to selling the goods. The ATA Carnet holder must provide colour pictures of the exhibits in order to facilitate their identification on importation, and especially on re-exportation. The ATA Carnet holder must describe the jewellery in full (weight, nature, shape, components etc). All of the jewellery must be re-exported at the end of the exhibition.
7th May 2009
The ATA Carnet Issuing Body in Iran has informed us that if ATA Carnet holders wish to appoint a representative in Iran they may use the services of the following company which has been authorised by the Iranian National Guaranteeing Organisation and Iranian Customs for this purpose.
The contact details of the company are as follows:- Tchakad Mehr Int'l Trans Co, General Manager: Mr. Babak Amali, Tel/ Fax: 0098-21-88926054, 88926055, Mobile: 0098-912-1004080 / 0098-912-2094105, email: tchakadmehr@itair.com
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