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The Government is warning that EU goods coming to Jersey could be detained by Customs unless traders are prepared for rule changes taking effect from tomorrow.
Since 1 January 2021, the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) has permitted Approved Traders to complete their customs declaration up to 30 days after their goods were released. This agreement was in place to ease the impact of Brexit.
From 1 January 2022, however, this special dispensation – referred to as an easement – will come to an end.
Goods imported from the EU will be treated the same as any other third country, and customs declarations must be submitted on or before arrival.
Mark Cockerham, Head of JCIS, warned: “We will have to detain goods if we do not receive a customs declaration on or before arrival, and our concern is that this could potentially affect the smooth operation of supply chains for some traders.
“For the past year, we’ve been advising Approved Traders that this change was on its way, but there may be some who are still unprepared and could therefore be adversely affected by the changes, which is something we want to avoid.”
Pictured: Traders will need to complete their customs declarations on or before arrival.
Home Affairs Minister Deputy Gregory Guida said: “The easement, and its cessation, have both been as a result of Jersey’s membership of the UK/Crown Dependencies Customs Union, under which all goods entering the Union must be treated the same, and we are committed to the same controls on imports as the other members.
“Officers have been communicating with all Approved Traders during 2021 and have run briefing sessions through business groups to help importers understand the rules. While it is appreciated that this may mean increased administration, it is important importers don’t ignore the change. There is information online, shippers have been briefed, and JCIS are able to provide advice for anyone who needs it.”
Businesses have been advised to:
This change will only affect Approved Traders; traders who are not approved have not enjoyed the easement. Approved Traders will still have 30 days from the release of their goods to pay any tax.
Express spoke to Mark Cockerham in further depth about the changes and what they mean for local businesses...
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