This is one of our ‘Highlights of 2022’ series. Here Harbour Shipping Director Steve Applebee gives an overview of the year:
------------------------------------------------------------------
As 2022 draws to a close we’d firstly like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the continued loyal support of our clients and our staff who have enabled us to smoothly transition through another challenging year.
CDS and Customs Changes
Following our first full year of trading outside of the European Union, which was a challenge in itself, we knew from the beginning of 2022 we had to embrace further Customs changes. The biggest by far would be the move from CHIEF to CDS, the Customs Declaration Service for our Import Declarations. Our teams enthusiastically set out on this journey but very quickly we learned that CDS wasn’t the updated version of CHIEF that we had been promised and would cause us many more headaches than those problems it should have resolved.
Fighting The Machine
Our Customs Clearance team wouldn’t be beaten and quickly came to terms with the idiosyncrasies of CDS. Before we knew it we had successfully moved 80% of our import business over to CDS. And, as they say, the rest is history. As I write our import declarations are nearly fully transitioned over to CDS with only the remaining failings of the system itself preventing our full transition. Fortunately, due to the nature of the issues we face, we have the necessary CHIEF extension to give our clients the peace of mind they need.
We continue to work with our colleagues in Customs with regards to the continued problems we and industry face with CDS and whilst they listen resolving the issues can take quite some time which can be extremely frustrating.
The move from CHIEF to CDS from an Export perspective has now been pushed back to 30th November 2023. Agents are being asked to hold off from using the export system until Inventory-linking issues are resolved with the Community System Providers. However, we are keen to move forwards and will push to be allowed to live test the system as soon as we can.
The War in Ukraine
So, a year in Customs clearance, where do we start? The outbreak of war in Ukraine was obviously devastating on a global scale and continues to be so. Harbour Shipping has historically worked with many clients working in Eastern Europe so we heard at first hand of the plight of those now fighting for their lives in Ukraine and the hardships and tragedy they were being exposed to. What could a Dover Customs broker do to help?
Lobbying HMRC to Help Aid for Ukraine
Well, we and other leading Customs brokers canvassed Customs authorities and fought for an agreement that allowed relaxations on aid movements to Ukraine. This relaxation meant that aid could move to Europe for onward delivery to Ukraine without Customs clearance. This was a bit of a first really: Customs brokers fighting for there to be no Customs clearance requirements! That’s a bit like turkeys voting for Christmas I suppose.
Never a Dull Day in Customs Clearance
Every day in Customs clearance brings a new challenge. Whether it’s the regular fresh fruit and vegetable imports that keep the supermarkets supplied, the export and import of aircraft parts that keep our airlines in the air or even the importing of a flock of sheep for a highland shepherdess(!) there is always something to keep us on our toes.
Then, there are the jobs that we’re never likely to forget. This year we’ve already widely publicised the importation of Orys the Indian Rhino from Basel Zoo. We’ve also had the pleasure to represent a global music icon and multiple Premier league-winning footballers, and how could I forget assisting a good friend who recently re-imported his Volkswagen Camper from Ibiza... which was by far the most stressful job of the year.
Conclusion
The cost-of-living crisis, soaring inflation and exporters still coming to terms with the consequences of Brexit will challenge us all in 2023 but we all must look ahead with optimism and hope in our hearts. As the year ends, I look back full of pride for what we have achieved in 2022. The strength of the team of Harbour Shipping makes every challenge more manageable and despite the complex problems we faced, we came through stronger together. We had plenty of laughs, we shed a few tears but we’re raring to do it all again next year.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
------------------------------------------------------------------
For expert business-to-business Customs Clearance don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on Dover 01304 211919 / Email [email protected]