Bicycle Association re-iterates HMRC Guidelines for Importing Bikes and E-bikes
HMRC have asked the Bicycle Association to circulate new ‘best practice’ guidance for cycle importers on due diligence in making customs declarations and how to avoid fraud – this is available here: 2019-01 – HMRC Import Guidance. The BA suggests that the document from HMRC about importing best practice is headlined as being about e-bikes, but is in fact it is relevant to all cycle industry importers.
The focus is on ensuring that customs declarations are valid – especially where the origin of goods is critical for obtaining lower preferential) tariff rates or avoiding higher rates of duty (e.g. anti-dumping). The ‘best practice’ guidance in the Annex may be especially useful.
There are also references to several other Government notices/websites, many of which importers will probably already be familiar with as they outline the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the import processes. Perhaps less familiar, but again worth a read, is Customs Information Paper CIP27 about what HMRC expect by way of “due diligence”: http://tinyurl.com/ydbczy46
BA Technical Manager, Peter Eland comments “As far as I can tell this document does not announce or request anything new, but it is a useful reminder for all BA importers to check their compliance and best practice in this area.”
BA membership has increased considerably in recent months, and recently-joined members can catch up on previous technical updates with a full archive being available on the BA website. The BA holds regular technical meetings, offers one-on-one support and also updates members frequently on topics including standards development, updates in regulations and best practice in compliance and documentation.
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