BIFAlink
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UK government sets out path to net zero in landmark strategy
Changes to French import VAT rules There are significant changes to French VAT law effective from 1 January 2022. The management and collection of import VAT in France will be transferred from French Customs (DGDDI) to the French Tax Authority (DGFiP). From this date, the declaration and payment of import VAT will be made directly in the French VAT return declaration instead of at the time that goods are entered to customs. The use of the reverse charge for import VAT will be compulsory for all businesses registered for VAT in France (including non- taxable persons who have an intra-community VAT number) and there will be no requirement for prior authorisation to use this postponed import VAT procedure. This change means that VAT will no longer be collected by the French Customs agent but will be automatically reverse charged on the French VAT returns. This reverse charge mechanism is beneficial for businesses as it avoids heavy and costly pre- funding of import VAT. However, all companies that act as the importer of record in France will have to obtain a valid French VAT number and file VAT declarations to be allowed to benefit from this system. For further information see: https://bifa.org/news/articles/2021 /dec/changes-to-french-import- vat-rules-effective-1st-jan-2022 End of an era As this issue of BIFAlink went to press in mid-December, Informa announced the cessation of publication of the 150-year old Lloyd’s Loading List. It stated: “It is with great sadness that we must inform you that Lloyd’s Loading List is to cease publishing permanently at the end of this month. The last daily news bulletin is planned for 24 December, the last print issue will be published on 27 December.”
In a recent press release following COP 26, the government stated: “We are also working to kick-start the commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from sustainable materials such as everyday household waste, flue gases from industry, carbon captured from the atmosphere and excess electricity, which produce over 70% fewer carbon emissions than traditional jet fuel on a lifecycle basis. Our ambition is to enable the delivery of 10% SAF by 2030 and we will be supporting UK industry with £180 million in funding to support the development of UK SAF plants.” Reaching those targets, however, comes at a cost. SAF is expensive to produce. Worldwide annual levels of production are currently about 100 million litres; by 2050 it is estimated it will need to be 450 billion litres, an increase of 10,000%. Estimates say the cost of production is anything between three to five times more
expensive than costs involved in producing standard jet fuel. There is no doubt that effective commercialisation of SAF will require government support in ways such as incentives and subsidies for research as well as development of production, supply and distribution. Notwithstanding the economic costs, the ecological
cost to the planet of inaction will unequivocally outweigh the financial burden placed upon its inhabitants. Young Forwarder Network – event updates
Our Young Forwarder Network runs regular events enabling the next generation of talent to come together, share their experiences and learn more about the industry from some of its leaders. Recently, our guest speakers were Alan Platt, chief executive of Good Logistics, and Clare Bottle, chief executive of UKWA and vice-chair of Women in Logistics UK. Alan shared his career journey with us, reminding us of the many avenues of opportunity that exist when working in the industry. Attendees are encouraged to submit their questions to our speakers across various topics. Alan shared his advice to those starting out in the industry, his top hacks for self-motivation, plus the challenges he has faced and how he overcame them. During the event featuring Clare, attendees were keen to hear how she believes technology can support and improve the warehousing sector, and whether she has faced different challenges in her career compared with those faced by male colleagues. BIFA is keen to expand the collective of guest speakers and
welcomes volunteers from all areas of the industry who would like to take part. Please email Natalie Pitts n.pitts@bifa.org The sessions are facilitated by our very own committee of members, with an average of 68 young forwarders taking time out to attend. If you are a young forwarder and would like to join a session, follow us on LinkedIn. There you will find the invites to our latest events and
updates regarding the YFN. Simply scan this QR Code or search for ‘BIFA Young Forwarder Network’ on LinkedIn.
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January 2022
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