Freight Forwarders Welcome Customs Compromise

London, United Kingdom, August 19, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Comments Colin Beaumont, BIFA Director General: “During our discussions with HMRC, we have always made it clear that forwarders, importers and exporters would face major disruption if HMRC was not to allow a reasonable period of dual running, especially in the busy autumn period. We have lobbied hard for HMRC to maintain a minimum three-month period for dual running at the implementation stage.

“This will give forwarders the ability to adapt to the new procedures and uncover any defects of upgraded systems and software along the way. HMRC has listened to industry concerns and is adopting a more pragmatic approach, with both systems operating simultaneously for just over three months. It should make the significant risks involved for all concerned more manageable.

“The decision is a further testimony to the lobbying activities that we undertake on behalf of our members. We have continued to make strong representations on behalf of the industry direct to HMRC through our Customs Policy Group (PG5).”

The new, more harmonised SAD (SAD-H) is an EU Commission initiative linked to other EU-level information technology projects designed to bring about the aimed for ‘paperless customs environment’ under the modernised Community Customs Code. These will include new pre-arrival / departure freight reporting requirements, for security purposes, for ‘third country’ traffic.

A JCCC paper confirming these details can be found on the HMRC web site at hmrc.gov.uk website.

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Note to Editors:

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the representative body of the freight forwarding industry in Britain, which supplies British business with the international supply-chain management and cargo movement services and expertise, across all transport modes, by which Britain exports and imports. BIFA comprises in excess of 1,250 British-based corporate members, responsible for 85% of British freight forwarding business.

A not-for-profit organisation, BIFA is funded by subscription and run by its members for members. It operates with a full-time Secretariat, which administers and manages the Association’s affairs. BIFA provides an effective and proactive organisation dedicated to improving standards of professionalism within the logistics and supply chain industry.