Member Engagement
Regional meetings round-up
chairman Richard Catt and was well supported by Members, with both Steve Parker and Denise Hill in attendance from BIFA. Denise provided policy group and training updates to those present. Heather Jones from ALS Customs Services provided a presentation on the intended changes for border control points and sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) checks on goods arriving through the short straits. She also updated the group on the industry round table call hosted by Baroness Neville-Rolfe and Lord Richard Douglas-Miller the previous day. There will be an ‘education period’ from 31 January to 30 April to allow industry and authorities to adapt to the changes and clarify such items as charges, process for driver messaging and to ensure adequate training. Members are encouraged to join BIFA at their local regional meetings in 2024. The dates for upcoming meetings can be found in the Events section of our website (https://bifa.org/events/). You should register via the relevant Eventbrite link to confirm your place.
Denise Hill, BIFA Member Engagement Director provides an update on recent regional events
Manchester Almost 40 Manchester Members attended a Christmas Regional meeting on 14 December. The meeting was hosted in the boardroom of the historic Elliot House on Deansgate Manchester, the home of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Northern England and the Midlands Regional representative Andrew Melton led the meeting, bringing Members up to date with the latest news from the policy groups. Feedback was provided from the first meeting of the Sustainable Logistics Policy Group, including an overview of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) legislation, greenhouse gas emissions and information about the Carbon Calculator that is available through the BIFA website supported by Pledge. As might be expected, the information from the Customs Policy Group raised many questions from the Members with discussions around CDS Exports, NCTS5 and issues around Direct and Indirect representation. Members also raised questions
around iron and steel imports and the latest release of the Border Target Operating Model. Information was also conveyed to Members concerning HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) changes to Duty Deferment accounts for companies with GB and XI EORIs. The group was then introduced to Bruce Hailey of Salvus Law, who recently replaced Kay Pysden of Pysdens Solicitors, who retired in 2023 after many years supporting BIFA. Bruce was able to explain the new Electronic Trade Document Act to the Members. Paulina Puig and Kathryn Hoggitt of Manchester Chamber of Commerce then presented the services offered to Members by the Manchester chamber. Claire Capaccioli followed, providing an update on BIFA training offers for 2024. Members left the meeting to regroup for a Christmas lunch in Gusto’s Italian Restaurant. Kent & East Sussex The meeting in Dover held on 12December was led by regional
“ The group was introduced to Bruce Hailey of Salvus Law, who recently replaced Kay Pysden of Pysdens Solicitors, who retired in 2023 after many years supporting BIFA
22 | February 2024
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