ITP/DTI Ashdown House
TEL: 071-215-6767
071 215 6767 10.026 P.03
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of a new Notice to Importers clarifying the rules for those Eastern European countries with which UK has OPT agreements, and it was agreed this might be re-issued with added input from Customs.
Arising from Minute to last meeting 15/4/92
Single Market
John Lavery asked for any update from the Commission on the Single Market and SM confirmed that a paper was now promised for end August/ September, but this was likely to be drawn with a very broad brush - M/Ss had requested without detail on Regional liberalisation etc: definite guidelines on Community-wide quota management and an agreed policy document. They had viewed the computerised system the Comn. intends using but, as to inter-linkage, some M/S are not computerised yet so unlikely that central routine system could be introduce by 1.1.93. Interim system more than likely. Customs hoped they might be told the day before the day!
Hong Kong/Taiwan goods via Vietnam
The tiny (7 tonnes) quota covering the (8) categories permitted into it would be more likely if UK from Vietnam makes UK unlikely target: either Supplier were using Vietnan for outward processing. look out for any evidence.
Pakistan
ILB will
further discussion needed. Customs Cat.3/cat.34 mis-classification - had been going to sound out the Government Laboratory for assistance.
China cat.5 - Cashmere
Breakdown of cat.5 showing the Cashmere sub-limits provided by ILB. Sheila Morris gave update of Commission position - that licensing stops for all M/Ss on Friday 26/6/92: overshipment having taken place on EC quota 101,000pc. UK has overshipped 2,800pc (end May) but fine animal hair, not Cashmere; France authorised to license only 23,000pc out of 40,000pc order outstanding; Germany/Italy were unwilling to main-tain quota having imported 73,500pc in 1st Qr 1992 (May unknown). ILB confirmed that UK licensing had already ceased. Andy Miller (of Customs Investigation Div) undertook to look out for imports via Free Circulation (T/2 licenses through other M/S).
3) Customs Checks:
ITP passed on the Commission's interest in the results of cutbacks in Customs checks. John Lavery gave update on the introduction of CHIEF computer now programming and operational from 1/1/93 and the greater flexibility offered by the new system which can pinpoint issues more accurately than the current system. Even on the DEPS system, despite reduced % checks but using specific targeting, "compounding action" had resulted in goods siezed in 1990 of £5.3 million value; £6.2m in 1991. The system seemed to work effectively and where "doubtful operators" were uncovered, other points of entry were alerted with "flash sheets" warning of fraud/quota utilisation/NTI changes, etc.
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