News Items
Click on a heading for the latest information - (please note news items will be added as they arrive)
Export Documentation - Live
European Community Certificate of Origin
Arab Certificate of Origin - Live
EUR 1 Movement Certificate - Live
A.TR Movement Certificate - Live
ATA Carnet - Live
Export Documentation
News
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.
Also, EUR1s for Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Mexico, Israel, Egypt, Croatia and Lebanon must be manually signed and stamped.
9th August 2010
The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union adopted a package of further restrictive measures against Iran, effective from of 26th July 2010, including in the areas of trade, financial services, energy and transport. For more information see Notice to Exporters 2010/21 in Related Resources.
9th August 2010
The Arab-British Chamber of Commerce and Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce have advised us that they, and numerous Embassies, will adopt shorter working hours during the holy month of Ramadan 11th August to 10th September, and that delays in document turnaround will occur. Exporters should take this into consideration when submitting documents for legalisation.
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 HMRC 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
8th July 2010
With the growing demand for imported goods in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Government has reinforced control of product and quality certification requirements. All shipments of goods arriving in the Kingdom without a Certificate of Conformity will be subject to 100% inspection and testing on arrival. This could result in extensive delays in the clearance of goods from Customs - or even refusal of entry or destruction of non-compliant goods. Shipments which are supported by a valid Certificate of Conformity, issued by an authorised body, such as Intertek, will only be subject to random sampling of goods on arrival to confirm compliance.
For further information contact contact Patrick Lee at Intertek on 01277 223400
8th June 2010
To assure Ugandan consumers of the quality and safety of imported goods, the Uganda National Bureau of Standard have implemented a series of guidelines known as Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PvoC) to Standards programme. The programme covers the verification of all 'Regulated Products' to be in compliance with the Uganda/other approved standards on the basis of which a Certificate of Conformity is issuded.
Furtherinformation can be found at www.intertek.com/government/product-conformity/exports-to-uganda or email info.government@intertek.com
19th April 2010
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Customs have currently upped the ante and are requesting Certificates of Compliance for all shipments (minus food, medical and military) for their clearance. MoCI (KSA Ministry of Commerce & Industry) decree 6386 is not clear on the list of products being subjected to certification; if there is any doubt Intertek will get additional information on the products from the Authorities so that a decision can be made whether the product should be Registered/Certified.
Customs in Saudi Arabia have become much more strict and are inspecting many more shipments than usual. If you require more information contact Patrick Lee at Intertek on 01277 223400
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
For further information see Notice to Exporters 2010 09 in Related Resources.
16th March 2010
Claim back your German VAT by 30th September 2010 - if you went to Germany on a business trip or exhibited at a German trade fair in 2009 you can potentially save approximately 19 per cent of your business expenses by claiming back the German VAT you incurred during the trip. VAT may be claimed back on many products and services, such as hotel accommodation, training courses, expenses for conferences and exhibitions, meals and beverages, car rental and car fuel, parking, public transport and taxi fares. In order to qualify for the refund procedure you must not be resident in Germany, or have a place of business or domicile in Germany, nor own property or maintain a branch in Germany.
Further information can be obtained from the Tax Services Department of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce. Telephone 020 7976 4160 or email vat.refund@ahk-london.co.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 in Related Resources.
Export Controls is one of the many subjects the Chamber can arrange training in. For further information contact David Allison Tel: 023 9244 9449 or email: david.allison@hampshirechamber.co.uk
26th February 2010
The Customs Authority of the Republic of The Philppines have approved new legislation which introduces fundamental changes to importation procedures for bulk or break bulk shipments to The Philippines. It has become mandatory for these shipments to undergo an inspection for Quality, Quantity and Dutiable Value at the port of origin by an approved surveying company.
Intertek has been accredited by the Government of the Philippines as one of its approved surveying companies and can assist you in ensuring your shipments meet the necessary requirements and so take advantage of Advanced Clearance Procedures.
For further information visit www.intertek.com
26th February 2010
Further to circular No 72/11/M dated 18 January 2009 regarding the strict implementation of country of origin markings on imported goods, a letter has been issued by the Director General of Customs No. 144S/11/M reaffirming the need for the mark of origin on goods imported from European Union into Saudi Arabia to show the name of the producing country and not "made in the EU". Failure to refer to the producing country will then require the importer to take corrective action at the Customs depot or, for those items that can't be corrected, provide an undertaking that correction will be made within two weeks of the date of release and prior to disposal of goods. Indication of origin must be non-removable and not in the form of stickers.
For further advice on how the requirements may affect you, contact Patrick Lee at Intertek, who will ensure queries are forwarded to the appropriate people. Patrick can be contacted at patrick.lee@intertek.com or telephone 01277 223400
2nd February 2010
Overseas Security Information for Business (OSIB) is accessed via the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) website. It aims to help UK businesses operating overseas when making decisions about overseas strategies, and provides key information on the following security-related risks: Political and Economic, Bribery and Corruption, Terrorism Threat, Protective Security Advice, Intellectual Property, and Organised Crime.
UK Companies are strongly advised to register on the UKTI website; visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/osib for more information
18th January 2010
The Saudi Custom authorities have announced the enforcement date for the mandatory compliance of the following products imported into Saudi Arabia:
- Plugs and Sockets (Standalone or Fitted to Appliances) to the Saudi Standards 2203 and 2204 - enforcement date 23rd February 2010
- EER Labelling Requirement for Refridgerators and Freezers, Air Conditioners and Washing Machines in accordance with the applicable Saudi Standards - enforcement date 27th April 2010
14th January 2010
ECO Notice to Exporters - 2010/01 has been issued by the Export Control Organisation making a number of amendments to Open General Licences (OGELs), which come into force 15th January 2010.
The changes concern the removal of Sri Lanka as a permitted destination and addition to the list of excluded destinations on a number of OGELs and the Open General Trade Control Licence (Category C) goods. The respective OGEL pages on both the BERR website and the OGEL Checker websites will be updated 15th January 2010. Further information can be found www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/europeandtrade/strategic-export-control/latest-news/index.html.
24th December 2009
Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) is responsible for implementing the EU Services Directive which comes into force 28th December 2010. It is aimed at reducing the barriers to cross-border trade within the EU services sector. It will also make it easier for service providers, particularly SMEs, to offer their services in the EU or providing services temporarily. This will largely be due to the setting up of the Point of Single Contact web portals in each country, giving service providers information on which authorisations and licenses they need, and the ability to apply for them online. The UK's facility will be available on www.businesslink.gov.uk which will help service providers even if they are only doing business in the UK.
For more information visit www.bis.gov.uk/servicesdirective
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 Pount 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 in Related Resources
30th November 2009
There will be a system outage of the HMRC Live Services on 12th and 13th December. The outage is scheduled to commence 18.00 on the Saturday finishing at 06.00 on the Sunday. It is an essential piece of work HMRC are performing in relocating services to new data centres in the UK. Some of the services affected will be ATWD, NCTS, NES, CFSP, CHIEF HMRC Access only and CHIEF ALVS.
For further information see CIP (09) 78 in Related Resources or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/online/index.htm
29th October 2009
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has taken over the laboratories of the Miniistry of Commerce and Industry. This has lead to a number of changes, some that will inevitably affect exporters.
One of the most recent changes is the verification of heavy metals and microbiological counts in cosmetic products against new criteria. To verify these criteria the Customs and SFDA ask the importer to back up their Certificate of Conformity with a test report. As an alternative, Customs can forward samples for local testing. The new SFDA requirements are in addition to the previous compliance evidences and will now be required for all future registrations.
For further advice on how the requirements may affect you, contact Patrick Lee at Intertek, who will ensure queries are forwarded to the appropriate people. Patrick can be contacted at patrick.lee@intertek.com or telephone 01277 223400
16th October 2009
HM Treasury have made an Order(under powers conferred on it under Schedule 7 of the Counter Terrorism Act 2008) to direct financial and credit institutions in the UK to cease business with Bank Mellat and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), including its branches in the EEA. HM Treasury has given the direction on the basis of its belief that activities in Iran that facilitate the development or production of nuclear weapons pose a significant risk to the UK's national interests. The Order will expire on 11th October 2010, unless revoked earlier. Details can be found on the HM Treasury website.
This doesn't apply to companies which aren't financial or credit institutions, but the UK financial or credit institutions used by such companies may not deal with Bank Mellat or IRISL. The HM Treasury notices explain what may happen if a transaction is in train and incomplete on 12th October.
Companies must judge for themselves whether the Order applies to them and be aware that this message does not constitute guidance or advice
7th October 2009
A new policy gives US immigration officials the right to search traveller's electronic devices at will. This policy applies to officials in the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Customs and Border Protection Services. It gives them the right to "search, detain, seize, retain and share electronic devices, or information contained therein, with or without individualised suspicion". These powers apply to border searches, such as those conducted at an airport or border crossing. They do not require the traveller's consent and apply even if the US is not your final destination and you are just making a connection in the country.
For more information visit www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/ice_border_search_electronic_devices.pdf16th September 2009
British companies trading with Hong Kong and/or China are invited to enter the 2009 Cathay Pacific China Business Awards. Launched in 2005, the award scheme rewards successful UK enterprises trading in the region. Visit www.cathaypacificawards.co.uk for further information and how to enter. Deadline for entries is 31st October 2009.
1st September 2009
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) have announced that all shipment packaging material made up of wood and wooden packaging material such as planks, crates, that is imported into Kenya shall be adequately treated and marked in line with International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measure (ISPM) No.15 requirements. Failure to do so may result in shipments facing delays at Kenyan Customs.
The KEPHIS memo issued to all Kenyan importers can be found on Intertek's website at www.intertek.com/government/product-conformity/exports/kenya/
6th August 2009
Exporting to Algeria? Important changes to the Algerian Foreign Exchange Regulation have been implements from 2nd August. As per article 69 from the 2009 Law of Finance (26th July), all import payments are to be effected only by letter of credit. Cash against documents and free transfers are forbidden until foreign notice. For more information on trading with Algeria visit www.intertek.com/government/programmes/algeria
7th July 2009
The new Export Control Order 2008 came into force on 6th April 2009. This order consolidates previous UK legislation incorportating the third tranche of changes to the Trade Controls. Also amendments to the Export Control Order 2008 were made on 26th June 2009. Details can be found in Related Resources - Export Control Awareness Bulletin 20
Exporters should be aware that as of 1st july 2009 the TURN (Trader Unique Reference Number) was replaced by the EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Indentification) number as the European Union's unique identification number, for use in any electronic communication with Customs. Details can be found in Related Resources - Export Control Awareness Bulletin 20
3rd July 2009
The European Commission have produced a multi-lingual, user friendly guide to taking your business across borders. Through a single entry point, the Your Europe – Business portal helps by providing a multilingual practical guide to doing business across Europe. The portal informs entrepreneurs about a business's rights and obligations and the relevant administrative procedures. It guides them to online forms and to support organisations offering personalised help and advice. Crucially, all this information is available in several EU languages.22nd June 2009
As from 1st July Tremcards will be replaced by Instructions in Writing. Visit www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/adr_linguistic_e.htm for full information on the changes and templates for the new Instructions in Writing.
8th June 2009Three businessmen were involved in a plot to supply military equipment to keep Iranian F-14 'Tomcat' fighter jets airborne and combat ready. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) uncovered the plot when they found a consignment of oxygen cylinders at Heathrow Airport bound for Tehran, breaking the terms of a 1993 embargo on military goods exported to Iran. Read more in related resources - Notice to Exporters 2009 13
The Chamber offers training in Export Controls – contact David Allison for further information. Tel: 023 9244 9449 or email david.allison@hampshirechamber.co.uk
3rd June 2009
The Saudi authorities have announced the enforcement date for the Energy Efficiency Labelling requirement for Air-conditioners, Washing Machines , Refrigerators and Freezers. The information is published in the Saudi national official gazette. At present compliance with this labelling requirement is voluntary but from 22 April 2010 it will become mandatory and be fully enforced. Manufacturers/Exporters are required to carry out Energy Efficiency Labelling registration with SASO before the enforcement date to avoid facing any unnecessary delay. Intertek can assist manufacturers with the facilitation of the registration process for the Energy Efficiency Labelling.
For advice on how the requirements may affect your company, please contact your local Intertek office, click here for details.22nd May 2009
Customs Information Paper (09) 36 Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) arrangements for traders using National Export Customs Simplified Procedures.
Following a change in EU legislation (draft Council Regulation 1435/2007) a new trader identification system will be introduced throughout the EU on 1 July 2009, called Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI). The EORI number will be used by economic operators in all communications with EU customs authorities when an identifier is required, for example, when completing customs declarations. As a result the current Trader Unique Reference Number (TURN) system in the UK will be replaced by EORI.For further information about EORI please see the HMRC Website, www.hmrc.gov.uk, follow the links from the red business box Business & Corporations >Imports and Exports>international Trade Developments> EORI. Please note the content of the FAQ in particular.
Also see Customs Information Paper (09) 36 in Related Resources.
18th May 2009
The European Union adopted Council Regulation (EC) 154/2009 (“the amending Regulation”) on 23rd February 2009 amending Council Regulation (EC) No. 1859/2005 (“the original Regulation”), imposing certain restrictive measures in respect of Uzbekistan. The amending Regulation replaces Annex I of the original Regulation. Annex I is the list of equipment which might be used for internal repression. The amending Regulation entered into force on 27th February 2009. BERR has subsequently issued implementing legislation, The Export Control (Uzbekistan)(Amendment) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1174), which entered into force on 8th May 2009.For further details of strategic export controls please contact eco.help@berr.gsi.gov.uk
This notice is for information purposes only and has no force in law. Please note that where legal advice is required exporters should make their own arrangements.
11th May 2009
The Bank d’Algeria have recently issued an official notice (number 16/DCG/2009) to all credit institutions that exporters are required to submit a Certificate of Quality for all shipments to Algeria. Intertek are able to assist exporters to Algeria in complying with this notice by offering inspection services to obtain the necessary Certificate of Quality. For further information contact visit www.intertek.com/government or email info.government@intertek.com European Community Certificate of Origin
Arab Certificate of Origin
News
14th April 2009
We have been informed by the Qatar Embassy that as with immediate effect all electronic documents will no longer be accepted electronically stamped and signed. Therefore all documents received by the Chamber requiring legalisation will be required to be manually signed by the applicant.
EUR 1 Movement Certificate
News
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.
17th December 2009
Following recent assurances received from Serbia regarding giving preference on Community goods, HMRC have agreed that EUR1 Certificates can now be issued for any consignments being sent to Serbia, provided of course that the goods meet current rules. Hence the position now is that EUR1s can be issued for permantly exported goods destined for countries listed in paragraph 1.4 of Customs Notice 827 plus Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia.
For further information see Notice C-09/09 in Related Resources
A.TR Movement Certificate
News
31st March 2009
HMRC have issued Notice CIP (09) 25 to remind exporters that the A.TR certificate can only be completed for exports which originate in the EC or are in free circulation in the Community.The A.TR does not apply to goods where duty is suspended or subject to a repayment claim e.g. under Inward Processing Relief (IPR). For further information see related resources.
ATA Carnet
News
19th 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 in Related Resources.
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.com27th July 2006
We have been informed by Customs at London Luton Airport that due to changes officers may not always be available to deal with passengers presenting ATA/Export documentation.
As a result of this change, it is important that those using ATA Carnets and intending to present them to Customs at Luton, contact Customs at Luton prior to departure (at least 24 hrs) to make appropriate arrangements to present their documentation to Customs. This also applies to passengers returning with their goods/Carnet.
The contact telephone number for Customs at Luton is: 01582 817900 or 0780 2637192.
Registered office: Regional Business Centre, Harts Farm Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1HR| Company No. 17877 | tel: 023 9244 9449 fax: 023 9244 9444