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"The Customs Manager" - Our Compliance & Cost-Saving Magazine

Edition 04 - 2024 - Week 04. EU, UK & U.S. Law, Policy & Guidance changes monitored for 22.01.2024 - 28.01.2024


We bring together in one place the changes in EU, UK and U.S. law, policies, and guidance and the best of social media postings from customs experts in one magazine.

Find out why this magazine is all about here.


A Successful International Customs Day 2024 Celebration + Significant Changes are coming up this week!

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We hope you had a great International Customs Day 2024 (ICD). We had the privilege of celebrating with Julie Parks and had a great discussion.


You can revisit the talk and her speech here.


The day of changes has finally come:


31 January 2024 - This Wednesday!


There are very significant changes on this day:


  1. The first EU CBAM Report is due today (see report below)

  2. The new UK SPS controls are starting (see report below). Also, check out our comprehensive SPS controls resource center.

  3. L999 as a waiver code for CDS import declaration does no longer exist (see report below)

Are you prepared?


In the EU, the UCC amendments for the biggest customs code reform in decades are taking shape as the European Parliament discussed amending the reform proposals. We have the summary and the amendments ready for you.


The U.S. House of Representatives passed a stopgap bill to fund the federal government, avoiding a shutdown just before the weekend deadline. The measure will fund the government through early March. Key agencies for customs & international trade will be impacted by a future shutdown, with cargo security and port of operations remaining active, but back-office support positions likely to be furloughed - if it were to come to pass.


In our review of social media postings, we noted two key articles we want to draw your attention to:

  1. Sylwia Nowak has recently written a great piece on the difference between Incoterms EX W and FCA and published the article on LinkedIn. You can read it here.

  2. New research suggests that UK-African trade has slumped after Brexit. Read the Cambridge analysis here.


There is much more to consider in this update, and I wish you an interesting lecture. See you on Friday for the wrap-up, covering the last two weeks.


Arne Mielken

Editor & CEO Customs Manager Ltd.



Content


A

C

D

Duty-Free (and duty reliefs) Updates & Simplifications

E

F

I

N

O

P

T

Transit Updates

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V

W



Join us This Friday for the Weekly Wrap-Up.


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This Friday, we will host the second edition of a weekly live online meet-up service called "Weekly Wrap", free for everyone to attend. During this 30-minute session, we will discuss the highlights from both Monday and Tuesday's publications and answer any questions you may have.


Lunch n'Learn This Friday: CBAM


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This is a live training session regarding customs and export controls/sanctions, and the audience can determine the agenda (but we do propose an agenda below). We will explore a specific topic in more depth during this session every week. Last week was the next veterinary border; this week is all about CBAM. You can sign up here.


Top Tip: If you are a premium paid plan subscriber, you can use your discount coupon with seperate notificaiton. Enter this coupon code at checkout to set the fee to zero.

The tentative schedule for these sessions is (all times UK time - GMT) and how to book:


UPDATES


Anti-Dumping Duty Updates

An anti-dumping duty is an extra import tariff imposed on top of the standard customs duty and applicable throughout a customs region. Its purpose is to enable countries to take action against the sale of goods at a price below their usual value, which is determined as the cost for similar goods sold in the exporter's domestic market. Check out our exclusive blog section on Anti-Dumping Duty for the most recent updates, informative articles, videos, and news. https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/_add 


Tip: If you are interested in this topic, bookmark this link and check weekly.


⇒ EU: Latest ADD & CVD cases


EU to impose new ADD on Chinese and other origin fabrics

The EU wants to impose a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain open mesh fabrics of glass fibres originating in the People's Republic of China as extended to imports consigned from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. Details here.


⇒ UK: Latest ADD & CVD cases


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



⇒ U.S: Latest ADD & CVD Updates


Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) Investigations: Certain Glass Wine Bottles from Chile, China, and Mexico

The Department of Commerce initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on certain glass wine bottles from Chile, the People's Republic of China, and Mexico. The investigations covers ... Find out more


Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Updates

Please also refer to our constantly updated collection of articles, guides on this topic etc:


UK updates Authorised Economic Operator status guide

The UK Authorised Economic Operator Guide has been updated. To apply for Authorised Economic Operator status you will need to gather information about your business before you start your application. The guidance has now been updated withe the latest information you need to apply for the customs simplification status, the security and safety status or both. Access the changes and the guide here.



CBAM - The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Updates


If you are interested in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, we recommend you bookmark this link and visit it regularly. You will find all the essential guides there, plus links to webinars (1 Hour), training (4 hours) and more: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/cbam


Many CBAM declarants are struggling to meet the deadline for submitting their first CBAM quarterly report this Wednesday, January 31.

On LinkedIn, Khalid Abdullah shared a post. This week, several issues in the CBAM Transitional Registry are making it more difficult to submit a completely compliant CBAM Q4 2023 report. A considerable amount of bugs have already been fixed. The European Commission believes that all outstanding concerns will be addressed by 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟵, at the very least, to provide a partial report. Please refer to the IT release notes that were released today. He says that a tolerant stance has already been declared by the Dutch competent authorities. In theory, there won't be any fines for submitting the first quarterly report beyond the deadline. "Also, CBAM declarants will have the opportunity to amend the Q4 2023 report until July 31. While these issues may cause inconvenience, they are just expected 'teething problems'. I know for a fact that both the Commission and national competent authorities are working around the clock to facilitate a timely and compliant submission. So, let's cut them some slack ;-). Hopefully, future quarterly reports can be submitted more seamlessly". he writes


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Classification & Tariff Updates (Customs) - HS

  • Why staying up-to-date with customs classification matters, see here

  • Our collection of all previous updates & quizzes on customs classification, see here

  • For customs classification training, live and on-demand, see here and here.


⇒ EU


EU TARIC updates

The EU TARIC gets updated multiple times a week, The changes should be reviewed by the customs manager to ensure that their businesses are not affected. IT content providers also require this data for their customs management solutions. The TARIC is an extensive database that consolidates all the necessary information on EU customs tariffs, commercial, and agricultural legislation. The updates are provided in Excel form, too.


What products are coming up for classification for agriculture and chemistry? 28.01.2024

Access the minutes of the 251st meeting of the Customs Code Committee - Tariff & Statistical Nomenclature (Sub-Section Agriculture / Chemistry) - 11th & 12th December 2023:


The EU discussed the tariff classification of

  •  flavoured fermented alcoholic beverages based on berry and fruit wine

  • Tetrahydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl indene (THPMI),

  • Neck pillows with a wheat and lavender filling,

  • various chemical products (ECICS – consultations 2023).

  • dried beet pulp with added molasses – limit for sucrose content.

  • steam stones for water pipes.

  •  dental preparation

You can find details in this file that you can download here.


What is the EU discussing as regards the WCO and HS?

 A possible amendment to HSEN to heading 39.24

A possible amendment to HS2027 concerning Chapter 97

A possible amendment to HS2027 concerning Chapter 40

A possible amendment to HS2027 concerning heading 85.34

A possible amendment to HS2027 concerning heading 39.01

Report of the 56th meeting of the Customs Expert Group - Tariff and Statistical Nomenclature Section - HS/WCO Coordination Sector - 6th to 7th November 2023


⇒ UK

UK CDS: The end of 999L waiver code for imports - What's next?


Discover the upcoming changes in UK CDS imports! Say goodbye to the popular waiver code 999L and find out what code replace it. The new deadlines for utilising the CDS document waiver code 999L are January 20, 25 for exports and January 31, 2024 for imports. Read our report. Our Report (FREE TO READ)


UK Tariff Updates

  • Removal of CDS 999L Waiver Code for Imports

  • New National Waiver Codes for Imports.

  • Update to Commodity Code Structure to maintain dynamic alignment with the EU;

  • Update to 103 - Third country duty measure coverage.


⇒ US


Customs Updates

You can find all of our customs updates here:


⇒ EU


UCC reform reviewed in the European Parliament

The EU Parliament and the European Commission have reviewed compromise measures for the Union Customs Code change. Critics argue that the passive acceptance of customs applications could open a "Pandora's box" for illicit items. The EC claims that thorough customs procedures on non-fiscal measures for low-value consignments will be guaranteed by eliminating the de minimis requirement. The 'deemed importer' strategy aims to hold e-commerce platforms responsible for fiscal and non-fiscal aspects of imported goods, reducing the administrative burden on customs officers and promoting platform compliance. The EP Rapporteur suggests early deployment of the Customs Data Hub and a trial plan.


Amendments of European Parliament of Union Customs Code Reform



⇒ US


No U.S. Government shutdown FOR NOW

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a stopgap bill to fund the federal government, avoiding a shutdown just before the weekend deadline. The measure will fund the government through early March. The lack of consensus signals that there is much work to be done to avoid a shutdown in March. Key agencies for international trade will be impacted by a future shutdown, with cargo security and port of operations remaining active, but back-office support positions likely to be furloughed.


2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security (TFCS) Summit


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The 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security (TFCS) Summit is now open for registration from March 26-28. The event will cover topics such as CTPAT, Broker Continuing Education Requirements, Combatting Illicit Opioids, Artificial Intelligence, International Affairs, Global Business Identifier, Green Trade, Supply Chain Security, E-Commerce, and Forced Labor. Find out more and register here.


Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest US Customs Decisions and Bulletins


Vol. 58, January 24, 2024, No. 03


⇒ UK


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



Customs Declarations (+ CDS) - Updates



⇒ UK


Customs Declaration Service: Document code ‘999L’ is being removed in two days

The UK government has announced that waiver document code '999L' will be permanently removed from import declarations after 31 January 2024. This code is used for ex-heading goods without documentary or licensing requirements. Instead, new national waiver document codes have been published to the UK Tariff, which should be used when submitting import declarations.




List of ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service

Find out which locations are using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service. Change made: Fishguard, Heysham, Holyhead and Pembroke have been added to the list of locations where you will always need to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service when moving goods into Great Britain from outside the UK (from 31 January 2024). Details



Court Cases & Law Updates

Please also refer to our constantly updated collection of articles, guides on this topic etc:


⇒ UK


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


⇒ EU


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


⇒ U.S.


CROSS

CROSS was last updated Jan 20, 2024, 11:45 AM with 3 rulings, bringing the total number of searchable rulings to 213744. The most recent ruling is dated Jan 12, 2024. See here



Duty-Free (and Duty Reliefs) & Simplifications


Learn about the steps you need to follow to operate a customs warehouse while importing goods to the United Kingdom. We have recently updated the 'How to Apply' section with more detailed information on the documents you'll need to submit with your application. You can also refer to our comprehensive guides on how to apply for customs warehousing.


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



E-Customs Updates


Unpacking the EU ICS System: What Businesses Need to Know

How Will the New Customs Pre-Arrival Security Program Benefit Businesses Using the EU ICS System 2? Download the debrief


EU Single Window Environment Progress

Read the report of the Project Group on the EU Single Window Environment for Customs - Examination and concretisation of the Business-to-Government (B2G) dimension and functionality - 28 & 29 November 2023


U.S.CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service Notices



Export Procedures Updates


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



NEW: Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG)


⇒ EU


EU Forced Labour Law Advances With Legislators

The EU Council has today adopted its position (negotiating mandate) on the regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour on the EU market. The negotiating mandate of the Council supports the overall objective of combatting forced labour, and it introduces several improvements to the proposed text. View Our updated guide on Forced Labour here


Taking a Stand Against Forced Labor: The EU's Proposal for a Ban on Goods made that way

What are the due diligence requirements for the EU when implementing the ban on products made using forced labour, including child labour? Download report.


⇒  U.S.


Changes on how to protest under the UFLPA Forced Labor Act

On January 27, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has deployed updates to ACE Protest to automate Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)-related reviews. The changes will allow protest filers to contest CBP exclusion decisions via the ACE Protest tool. Find out more




Free Trade Agreement Updates

For all updates regarding this topic, please view regularly and bookmark: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/free-trade-agreement


⇒ EU


Briefing on Trade agreements: what the EU is working on

The EU negotiates various trade deals all over the world, but they depend on approval by the European Parliament. Read our overview of the negotiations in progress.


EU-Thailand FTA talks advance

The EU is advancing talks with Thailand. See the latest progress here.


Niue to join EU-Pacific States FTA

Read the Proposal for a Council Decision on the accession of Niue to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and the Pacific States, of the other part.


EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: MEP question

Markus Buchheit (ID) asked to what extent the 2020 EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has verifiably improved the protection of human rights – including those of ethnic and religious minorities, including Christian churches – and of the environment about the coal-fired power plants and the clearing of rainforests in that communist dictatorship. The EU repsponded and said that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (FTA) includes a crucial human rights language committing parties to cooperation on human rights issues. The chapter on trade and sustainable development (TSD) upholds international worker rights and environmental treaties. At a December 1, 2023, FTA trade committee meeting, labor rights issues were discussed, including Vietnam's postponement of ratifying Convention No. 87 and decree on workers' representative organizations and collective bargaining. Vietnam has taken a proactive approach to deforestation, funding a study and creating a national strategy. The EU actively engages with Vietnam on human rights and the environment.


Other FTA Updates

  • Council Decision on the position to be adopted on behalf of the European Union within the CETA Joint Committee established under the CETA between Canada, of the one part, and the EU and its Member States, of the other part, as regards the adoption of an Interpretation of Article 8.10, Annex 8-A, Article 8.9 and Article 8.39 thereof in accordance with its Article 26.1.5(e)

  • Council Decision on the position to be taken on behalf of the EU in the CETA Joint Committee established under the CETA between Canada, of the one part, and the EU and its Member States, of the other part, as regards the adoption of a decision on the interpretation of Article 8.10, Annex 8-A, Article 8.9.1 and Article 8.39.3 of CETA in accordance with Article 26.1.5(e) of CETA - Adoption

  • Draft Interpretation of the CETA Joint Committee regarding Article 8.10, Annex 8-A, Article 8.9 and Article 8.39 of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

  • Protocol amending the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership - See Council Decision on Signing and on the Conclusion

  • Joint statement following the meeting of the Specialised Committee on the implementation of the Windsor Framework on 24 January 2024

  • Minutes of the Third Trade Specialised Committee on Regulatory Cooperation under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement


⇒ UK


UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein Free Trade Agreement Updates

UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein Free Trade Agreement Updates. Here


The Long Shadows of Brexit: Implications for African Countries

World Trade Review published by University of Cambridge and World Trade Organization:

This paper investigates the impact of Brexit on African countries' exports to the UK. It finds that the share of African exports sent to the UK has declined since the Brexit announcement in 2016. The trade flows started to drop immediately after the announcement of the Brexit referendum in 2015 but the main drop came after the Brexit referendum results became evident. Read the report


⇒  U.S.


Changes to AGOA

The United States Customs and Border Protection (DHS) has made modifications to the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits for Mauritania, Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda. These modifications are effective January 1, 2024, and include the reinstatement of Mauritania as an AGOA beneficiary country and designation as a lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country. The termination of AGOA benefits and LDBC designations for four sub-Saharan African countries on certain agricultural products.


Changes to U.S. Israel FTA

Extending Duty-Free Benefits for certain Israeli Imports

The U.S. extends the advantages of the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement to qualifying items imported from Israel.



Import Procedure Updates


Choosing the right Incoterm: Ex Works (EXW) vs. FCA



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Sylwia Nowak has recently written about Incoterms and published the article on LinkedIn.


Choosing the right Incoterm: Ex Works (EXW) vs. FCA. She writes "Having been exposed to a wide range of shipping documents and Incoterms over the past decade, I have reflected on some of the best practices and crucial elements that should consistently be followed for trouble-free import and export processes. Although we are moving towards the digitalisation of customs and paperless trade, the transfer of essential shipping information remains a necessity. This can be achieved through various means such as electronic data interchange (EDI), advance shipment notifications (ASN), emailing PDFs, or attaching physical copies of documents to parcels, among other methods. In an article, Sylwia Nowak BA, MIEx, independent consultant, writes about understanding the key elements of Incoterms, Ex Works (EXW), common mistakes & best practices. You can access the article here.


MEP asks about fraudulent imports of used cooking oil


Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D) said that several reports have highlighted the risk of large-scale fraud in the used cooking oil sector. It is claimed that exports of purportedly used oil from Asia, particularly from China, in fact come from palm oil. Any such imports would not only not comply with EU sustainability criteria, they would also contravene the anti-dumping measures adopted against Indonesian oil exports. Furthermore, this would be something that would disrupt the European market and pose a serious threat to European producers, as well as jeopardising the EU’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

  1. In light of this situation, what is the Commission doing to stop fraudulent imports of used oil?

  2. What specific measures does it intend to take, and when?


The EU responded that the Commission began an investigation1 on 17 August 2023 to determine if imports of biodiesel from China and the UK could circumvent countervailing measures on Indonesian imports. Additionally, the Commission launched an anti-dumping inquiry on biodiesel imports from China on December 20, 2023. Both investigations continue.

The Commission received a formal request from a Member State to assess the sustainability and greenhouse gas savings criteria for biofuel imports from China into the EU. For Member States to reduce fuel labelling irregularities and fraud, the Commission is creating an EU database to track feedstock and renewable fuel supply chains for consumption in the EU. This will increase transparency and prevent fraud cases. The database will launch in January 2024.



Northern Ireland Trade Updates

For all updates regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework, please view and bookmark: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/northern-ireland


Two days to NI Trade Changes

From 31 January 2024, some goods moving directly from Irish ports to Great Britain will face full customs controls. Traders and anyone moving goods on their behalf will need to be familiar with the new process. Goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through Irish ports will also have to complete import processes if they are non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods, excise goods, or goods that do not move directly to an Irish port once they have left Northern Ireland.


UK-origin steel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

Information about how to process movements of certain categories of UK-origin steel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland has been added. The Steel Notice sets out the necessary steps businesses that import steel into Northern Ireland will need to take. This is to ensure they are not charged safeguarding tariffs on entry to Northern Ireland where there is capacity in the relevant quotas. Link for details



Novice ("Help" I am New to Customs & Global Trade") - the column for newbies

Welcome to the customs newbies section! Our goal is to provide you with bite-sized information and updates to encourage continuous learning and spark your interest in customs and global trade. Join us and learn new things every day. Don't forget to check out our constantly updated collection of articles and guides on this topic.


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



Origin (Rules of) Updates


EU-Egypt FTA Rules of Origin to be updated

The EU and Egypt want to update the rules of origin in the EU-Egypt FTA.



Prohibitions & Restrictions Updates


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


Transit Updates

Read the collection of all articles on this topic here https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/transit


New Transit Guidance for SPS products




Tariff Quota Updates


⇒ EU


  • Monthly information on imports from Moldova and from all third countries of agricultural products subject to Tariff Rate Quotas applicable to imports from Moldova under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement - December 2023

  • Monthly information on imports from Ukraine and from all third countries of agricultural products subject to Tariff Rate Quotas applicable to imports from Ukraine under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement - December 2023


⇒  UK


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)


⇒  U.S.


No Update Noted (What does this mean?)



UNCTAD (Global Trade Update)


Comprehensive training course on "The use of Blockchain for Trade Facilitation."

This course, offered in English, combines a series of self-paced activities with several webinars featuring experts from UN Regional Commissions. The total duration of the course is approximately 10 hours. E-commerce has transformed global trade, making trade facilitation crucial for ensuring the smooth flow of essential goods and services. This course is designed to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges associated with using blockchain technology in trade facilitation, empowering decision-makers and practitioners to understand its benefits and implementation prerequisites. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of global trade. Register now and take the first step towards mastering the use of blockchain in trade facilitation!

For more details and registration, visit the course page: The use of Blockchain for Trade Facilitation - https://indico.un.org/event/1009105/



Valuation (Customs)

Read the collection of all articles on this topic here https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/valuation


The EU's Binding Valuation Information (BVI) regulation, is ready to be published.

The EU has published a draft Regulation regarding decisions relating to binding information in the field of customs valuation and decisions relating to binding origin information. Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 grants the Commission the power to supplement certain non-essential elements of the Union Customs Code (UCC). The law act introduces binding valuation information (BVI) decisions, completing the legal framework for issuing BTI and BOI decisions. BVI decisions increase transparency, legal certainty, compliance, and uniformity in customs valuation, benefiting economic operators, customs authorities, and the Union's financial interests.



Veterinary Border & SPS control updates

If you are looking to stay informed about the latest developments in veterinary border and SPS controls, we have got you covered. Our collection of weekly articles is a comprehensive resource that provides in-depth coverage of veterinary controls in the EU, UK, and the US. In our articles, you can find detailed information about the latest regulations, policies, and procedures related to veterinary border and SPS controls. We cover a broad range of topics, including SPS and veterinary border and controls. Our team of experts works tirelessly to ensure that our articles are up-to-date and accurate, so you can trust the information you are reading. Whether you are a veterinarian, animal health professional, or policymaker, our collection of articles is an invaluable resource that can help you stay informed about the latest developments in veterinary border and SPS control: https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/food


Watch On Demand: The New UK Veterinary Border (Afternoon Online Conference)

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The online conference discussed the preparedness of EU and UK industries and businesses for new UK SPS Veterinary Border requirements. Hear from industry, trade associations, businesses, port authorities, Border Inspection Posts and DEFRA.



SPS & Veterinary Border 

RESOURCE HUB

Guidance, Explanatory Documents, Support Tools and More for SPS and Veterinary Border Professionals: https://www.customsmanager.info/sps-veterinary-border


DEFRA announces last-minute change to risk categories for food imported from the EU

Under the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), DEFRA has released a significant reclassification of risk categories for fruits and vegetables as of today, January 26. According to the most recent modification, a large number of fruits and vegetables that are imported from the EU will reportedly be categorised as medium risk instead of low risk. Because of the easement in place, these items will continue to be low risk and won't need to be certified or pre-notified. DEFRA will carry out additional risk evaluations during the easement.

The easement was initially supposed to expire on October 31, 2024, but it doesn't seem like DEFRA has deleted any mention of October as the expiration date, thus there isn't a set end date.

Next Wednesday, January 31, is when BTOM is scheduled to begin a phased rollout; physical inspections of certain UK imports are scheduled to begin in April.


⇒ EU


EU : Protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Türkiye

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/360 of 24 January 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/478 as regards the extension of the period of application of protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Türkiye intended for human consumption


EU: MEP asks about EU phytosanitary policy

According to Tom Vandenkendelaere (PPE), Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 strengthens EU plant health regulations to safeguard the market from foreign diseases and pests. The EU horticultural business also exports plants to foreign nations. In this regard, other nations' import criteria must be met, although European collaboration is limited. Plants that fulfil a uniform EU standard cannot be exported equally. Because they arrive from another Member State, the same items developed under the same criteria need distinct paperwork. This raises the issue of whether EU collaboration is needed to acquire third-country export permits:

  1. Is the Commission aware of this issue?

  2. What instruments does the Commission have to encourage further cooperation between Member States?

  3. Can the Commission assume an intensive coordinating role with regard to this issue?


⇒  UK


From 31 January 2024: SPS controls

All SPS Animal Product consignments that transit GB will continue to require pre-notification via the

  • Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS), this will change from an IMP

  • notification to a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) notification.

  • Low-risk EU animal products that transit or are imported GB will not require health certificates but will continue to require pre-notification via IPAFFS

  • Medium-risk EU animal products that are imported or transit GB will require health certificates.

  • High-risk EU animal products that are imported or transit GB will continue to require health certificates from 31 January 2024


New Transit Guidance for SPS products


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Plant imports: authorised border control posts in the UK

Plant imports: Authorised border control posts in the UK from 30 April 2024


Launch of our new digital import service

The Special Import Scheme will be replaced with a new digital Import Service for veterinary surgeons. To learn more about the new Import Service, please go to vmdconnect.uk


UK halts trade negotiations with Canada over hormones in beef ban

Negotiations between the UK and Canada on a post-Brexit trade deal have broken down after nearly two years, following a row over beef and cheese. Read the article


⇒  U.S


Food and Drug Administration (FDA) New Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Product Codes

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created new Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) product codes listed below. The product codes are available immediately.

Product Code/Description

37J[][]25/Basil Sauce (with other ingredients)

52B[][]14/Banana Palm Leaves (Food Related)



World Customs Organisation Updates (WCO)


The World Customs Organization (WCO) is a hub of activity with regular updates, insightful reports, and informative conferences being published every week. To keep yourself abreast of the latest developments at the WCO, you can bookmark this link and visit it regularly. This will help you stay informed and up-to-date about the latest happenings in the customs world.https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/wco


Celebrating the Customs Community: 2024 WCO International Customs Day

Revolutionizing Customs Engagement in 2024: WCO's Plan to Collaborate with Traditional and New Partners


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It is International Customs Day 2024 and the global business community is celebrating. To honour this event, we welcome Ms. Julie Parks, Executive Director, Corporate Global Customs

, RTX Corporation to deliver some keynote remarks on the topic of "Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose".


Julie Parks is a highly experienced global compliance and trade executive who finds sustainable solutions that align with the speed of business objectives by effectively translating corporate, regulatory, and operational restrictions. She is a highly effective leader who has a talent for creating successful, cooperative teams that streamline operations, maintain adherence to regulations, and minimise expenses and potential hazards. Plus read the message of the new WCO Secretary General. Details here (free to read).

 

World Trade Organisation (WTO)


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Will the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste join the WTO at MC 13?

Council Decision (EU) 2024/407 of 23 January 2024 establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference on the accession of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the WTO.




I Have A Question Regarding These Updates, Who Can I Ask?

Please consider using the chat function on the website www.customsmanager.org to ask any questions you may have about this update. You may also e-mail info@customsmanager.org. Finally, you can join our weekly LIVE wrap-up, a 30-minute live YouTube Broadcast dedicated to reviewing the key events of this update. You can book your free slot at www.customsmanager.org/events



Upcoming Training Courses & Events


Multiple Dates

SPS Rules & Veterinary Border Controls

29 Jan 2024, 09:00 – 13:00 GMT

Online Training

This course develops the competencies that professionals need to deal with all aspects of food and plant imports, identifying the type of food, feed, animal, and plant products that require a licence, how to apply for permits + design an effective compliance system.


02 Feb 2024, 12:00 – 12:30 GMT

Are you aware of the latest changes in customs and export controls? Join us for our new weekly online call, where we review recent changes that we published in our two magazines, "The Customs Manager" and "The Export Control & Sanctions Manager". It's free for anyone to attend. Just sign up.


Multiple Dates

Weekly Lunch N Learn Session (Customs & Global Trade)

02 Feb 2024, 12:30 – 13:00

Virtual Online Training

A weekly learning opportunity on changes and updates to customs and global trade matters, diving deeper into current topics and providing insights and additional information that export, import, and customs professionals need to know to trade compliantly and save money.


Multiple Dates

Course: Origin of Goods & Free Trade Agreements

23 Feb 2024, 13:00 GMT – 24 Feb 2024, 17:00 GMT

Virtual Training Event

This course develops the competencies that professionals need to deal with all aspects of the origin of Goods, including how to leverage Free Trade Agreements, including how to identify the correct term and apply it in the business context (Course ID: OC7)


All courses can be booked online at:




Sources


EU

  • Official Journal of the EU

  • DG TAXUD Website

  • DG TRADE Website

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).

  • Information on the National Customs Website of Member States


U.S.

  • Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

  • Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

  • Department of Commerce

  • Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC)

  • International Trade Administration

  • United Stated Internation Trade Commission

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).

  • Information on the National Customs Website of Member States


UK

  • Information on gov.uk 

  • Information on legislation.gov.uk 

  • Department of Business and Trade

  • HMRC

  • DEFRA

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).


Other

  • World Trade Organisation (WTO)

  • World Customs Organisation (WCO)

  • United Nations (Sanctions) - UNCTAD

  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).What if I have a question regarding these updates


4-In-1 Support Services: How to get more support

1. Customs & Global Trade Updates (Fee Subscription): www.customsmanager.info

2. Customs & Global Trade Consultancy & Advice (Free First Call): https://www.customsmanager.org/consultancy

3. Customs & Global Trade Training & Education: https://www.customsmanager.org/education-training

4. Compliant & efficient UK Customs Clearance: https://www.customsmanager.org/customs-agent


Connect with us on socials

X: @customsmanager


Get in Touch


About Customs Manager’s Customs & Global Trade Intelligence Services

The Premium Professional Legislative Monitoring Service (PLM) is a research and curation service which checks for legislative updates from official government websites based on the selected jurisdictions and topics. Paid Plan subscribers can access regular law change notifications to ensure they never miss a significant legal change on www.customsmanager.info – a website dedicated to customs & trade intelligence. At the same time, they save valuable time by engaging our dedicated trade specialists to carry the monitoring out for them. Premium subscribers also unlock all content on the Customs Manager’s Ltd. website, including our Customs & Trade Blog on www.customsmanager.info , providing vital thought leadership development services to empower them to trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly, across borders. Premium Subscribers can add jurisdictions and topics for an additional charge.


About Customs Manager Ltd.

We aim to empower people with import, export and transport responsibilities with helpful advice, insightful training and relevant trade intelligence services. We devote all our passion and energy to helping businesses grow faster cross-border. Working with us means having your own multilingual Customs Manager on standby to help you trade effectively, efficiently and, of course, compliantly wherever you want to go. Includes Brexit support and the ability to lodge customs declarations + Rules of Origin

Stay in Touch

· Twitter: @customsmanager


Important Notice

Customs Manager Ltd. owns the copyright in this document, except for external documents and links we refer to or make available.

You are not allowed to use this information in any way that infringes its intellectual property rights. You may have to hold a valid licence to use this information. A licence can be obtained by becoming a Paid Plan subscriber to the Customs Managers’ Customs & Trade Intelligence service, also known as Professional Legislative Monitoring (PLM). As a Paid Plan subscriber, you may download and print this information which you may then use, copy or reproduce for your internal non-profit-making purposes.

However, you are not permitted to use, copy or reproduce this information to profit or gain.

In addition, you must not sell or distribute this information to third parties, not members of your organisation, whether for monetary payment or otherwise.

This information is intended to serve as general guidance and not constitute legal advice. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. This information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking action, consult a Customs Manager Ltd. professional.

In no circumstances will Customs Manager Ltd be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information contained within this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.



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