The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) is warning members of the potential implications of new EU entry summary declarations (ENS) for cargo.
From January 1 cargo carriers will have to provide Customs with advance electronic information – through ENS – for goods being brought into the customs territory of the European Community.
The advance notice must contain shipping marks and numbers, detailed cargo description and an HS-code for the cargo.
It is the carrier’s responsibility to present the ENS to customs, but importers may be implicated if they are using F-terms in their contract. For CIF contracts it would be the responsibility of the exporter or its agents to make sure the carrier has the necessary information to pass onto EU customs.
Cargo which has not been declared properly and in time will be rejected.
The TTF said some carriers are imposing stricter deadlines on exporters and agents to allow them to get the necessary information in time.
For containerised cargo, the ENS must be submitted at least 24 hours before loading at the port of departure, while for break bulk cargo ENS must be sent at least four hours before first arrival into an EU port.
For more details see www.ttf.co.uk or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg.
