www.bifa.org


Policy & Compliance


BIFAlink


Representatives from BIFA, ASM (UK) Ltd and HMRC answer questions from the audience at the London seminar


requirements of the UCC, additional information will need to be collected and included as part of declarations. This means importers, exporters, forwarders and agents will need to work with their in-house or external software developers to understand the impact these changes will have on their businesses. The regional events were supported by Agency Sector Management (ASM) and HMRC’s policy and CDS programme teams, who provided an overview of the changes and the steps importers and exporters need to take.


Software developers Kevin Franklin, HMRC’s Customs transformation programme director, said: “We have been engaging closely with trade representatives, including software developers, community systems providers, freight forwarders and traders themselves about the new Customs Declaration Service. We value the support from organisations like BIFA and ASM in preparing importers, exporters and forwarders for the upcoming changes, and we will continue to work closely


Support your local Member group


BIFA holds Regional Member meetings around the UK and listed right are those due to occur soon. If you would like to attend and find out more about BIFA and what we do, then contact the appropriate Regional Consultant to BIFA. All BIFA Members are entitled and encouraged to attend their regional meetings however pre- booking with the named contact is essential.


August 2018


with them to support businesses throughout the transition.” Members’ feedback about the events was


positive, with Peter MacSwiney, ASM chairman and CDS non-executive board member saying: “These events have been an excellent opportunity to bring importers and exporters together and for them to better understand the changes the new Customs Declaration Service will bring. “This is the biggest change for the import and export industry in almost 25 years and is worth hundreds of billions of pounds to the UK economy, so it is only right that we, and associations like BIFA and HMRC, work together to make sure everyone is prepared.” Robert Windsor of BIFA, added: “Our Members have told us they have welcomed these events and the opportunity to discuss any questions they have with the team developing the new system.


“HMRC has shown great willingness to work with our Members and the software developers and we are grateful for its ongoing support. “As our Members would expect, we will


Region Solent


Regional Members’ meeting Gatwick


Regional Members’ meeting Stansted


Regional Members’ meeting Heathrow


Date


continue to work hard to support them through what will undoubtedly be a challenging time. However, if all our industry partners continue to work together, I am sure we can make the introduction of CDS a success.” Software developers should be engaging their clients about the changes and importers and exporters should contact their software provider if they have not already heard from them.


Latest information


HMRC is also developing its pages on GOV.UK as the one-stop-shop for the latest information, advice and guidance to help businesses prepare for CDS. To find this information or sign up to receive direct email updates, simply search for ‘Customs Declaration Service’ on GOV.UK or type gov.uk/customsdeclarationservice into the address bar of your web browser. The final three BIFA/ASM/HMRC regional events


will take place in Belfast on 15 August, Glasgow on 22 August, and Felixstowe on 6 September. You can find more details on the BIFA website by clicking on the Events link at the top of the page.


Time Venue


Wed 1 Aug 0800 Duke of Wellington, Southampton


BIFA Contact Colin Young


Thu 2 Aug 1230 Air & Cargo Services, Colin Young Gatwick


Wed 26 Sep 1130 Stansted Airport Limited Colin Young Thu 27 Sep 1400 BIFA, Redfern House Colin Young


Regional Members’ meeting Full contact details are shown on page 3 of this issue.


17


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20