Changes to customs civil penalties
A new Customs Information Paper (CIP) has been released to notify businesses that the liability to Customs’ civil penalties became effective on 24 December 2009 and will remain in effect until 31 March 2010.
HMRC have stated that the changes will not be acted upon until 1 February 2010 to allow the trade time to ensure their systems are compliant.
The changes relate to the following four areas:
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Authorised Economic Operator (AEO): Businesses that fail to notify changes which affect the ability to be an AEO may be subject to a penalty.
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Transit: the transit amendments reflect the recent changes that have been made to European Legislation.
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Banana weighing: Businesses who fail to fulfil the conditions necessary to weigh bananas may be subject to a penalty.
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Preference: Any business that provides incorrect information for obtaining preferential treatment or proof of origin may be subject to a penalty.