BIFAlink November 2021

BIFAlink

News Desk

www.bifa.org

Making the switch to CDS You will have seen the news that HMRC announced that the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will replace the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system in a phased transition ending in April 2023.

The use of an EORI number on SPIRE is to be mandatory

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has set out its plan to introduce mandatory Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) numbers on licence applications and registrations in SPIRE. As forwarders know, the EORI number is the unique reference identifying a business, trader or individual, issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It is required on the Customs declaration to move goods into or out of the UK. The ECJU will introduce the mandatory inclusion of your EORI number on most licence applications and registrations in late autumn 2021. The mandatory requirement on SPIRE will apply to applications for export control licences where a declaration is made to HMRC’s Customs Handling of Import & Export Freight (CHIEF) or the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS). There is a view that moving forward, with the greater integration of government systems, one day CDS will validate specific export licence numbers against an EORI number. The next step will see it become necessary to

provide the EORI number that has been issued by HMRC. The reference begins with GB followed by 12 digits. It is only necessary to enter the 12 digits in SPIRE. It is important that applicants ensure the correct EORI number is included, as it will be provided as part of the licence information to HMRC. Action for SPIRE users If your company is registered on SPIRE, the ECJU has issued guidance on how to ‘Manage my registration’ within the ‘Organisation details’ option to ensure that the correct EORI is included in all applications. It has been emphasised that there will be no option to add the EORI at site level. BIFA has been advised that any questions regarding the correct EORI number within SPIRE will be raised by the appropriate compliance officer. No action is required on current licences which expire, or may be used, after the commencement of the new procedure.

There are fundamental differences in the two systems and BIFA, in conjunction with Agency Sector Management (UK) Ltd (ASM), has developed a training course that will guide the user through these areas to ensure readiness for the switch to CDS for both export and import declarations. The online self-study course is available now at a cost of £245 + VAT per person to BIFA Members (non-members £295 + VAT per person). Book at https://bifa.org/training/customs- procedures/customs-declaration- service-online-cm1cbt/course- detail?l=y&i=858/21 Don’t keep it to yourself Not your copy of BIFAlink? Register for your own copy by contacting Sarah Milton in membership s.milton@bifa.org or visit www.bifa.org/bifalink for a digital version. BIFAlink is the magazine of the British International Freight Association and is distributed free to Members.

A reminder to all BIFA Members – BIFA Annual Membership Renewal 2022

BIFA Annual Member Company Declarations – email to Members mid-November 2021. 2022 Membership Renewal VAT Invoices – email to Members early January 2022. This is the second year (first electronic renewal Jan 2021) that BIFA is processing the Membership Renewals electronically. This has been well received by Members as an improved method to renew their BIFA & FIATA membership.

Please note: • Company Declarations need to be returned no later than 10 December 2021 please, • Membership Renewal VAT Invoices – these will be issued early January and payment is required within 30 days, • Members who subscribe to Direct Debit Membership Renewals are reminded that VAT invoices will be emailed upon receipt of payment (applied for in mid-

January and mid-July each year). Should you have any questions, or require any database updates, please contact Sarah Milton – BIFA Membership s.milton@bifa.org Don’t forget – It is important that you always let us know of any changes to key contacts, email and location addresses, etc. Please email s.milton@bifa.org with any required amendments.Thank you for your subscription and we look forward to supporting you through 2022.

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November 2021

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