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Meetings archive
See meetings for details of the format and membership fees.
2010 ….
2009 ….
2008 ….
2007 ….
2006 ….
2005 ….
2004 ....
2003 ....
2002 ....
2001 ....
2000 ....
Meetings in 2010
Thursday 11 November 2010 -
AGM
Speaker: HMRC Peter
Starling presenting an update on MCCIP and HMRC Head of Customs Debt - Jan Pond
on Right To Be Head (“RTBH”)
Venue: BDO LLP, 55 Baker Street, London W1U 74U
Jan Pond gave a short but informative talk on RTBH. RTBH is covered by MCC Article 16, and will – when implemented - introduce an extra layer of dialogue between the Fiscal Authority and trade, prior to an adverse decision being made. (Jan’s email address = jan.pond@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk).
Peter Starling gave a detailed update on MCCIP progress, including Centralised Clearance, Self-Assessment, Temporary Storage, National Transit Simplifications, Guarantees and Single Transport Contract. (Peter’s email address = peter.starling@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk).
AGM
At the 2010 AGM no Chairman’s Report was presented due to the absence of Barbara Scott following a recent illness; all members present expressed their thanks for Barbara’s tireless efforts on behalf of CPG, and wished her a speedy recovery. The Accounts for the year-end 2010 plus the Budget for 2011 were presented by Mike Hodge. All were adopted at the meeting.
The members present carefully considered a draft of a proposed Amendment to CPG Constitution, which had been previously circulated to members on 03 October 2010 together with an invitation to comment. The proposed Amendment concerns what would happen to funds if, for any reason, CPG ceased to exist. Of those 9 members who replied before the AGM, 5 were content with the draft, 2 wished to donate surplus funds to charity, 1 was content with the draft but would like to have legal advice, 1 found the draft confusing. Of those members present at the AGM, there was a unanimous view evidenced by a show of hands firstly that any surplus funds should be donated to charities and secondly that CPG Council should be entrusted to make the appropriate choice of charities.
Other non-AGM Agenda
items discussed included: meetings attended by members; CPG web site; CIP
(10)71 WTO Panel report – Steve Gaikwad kindly offered to draft for CPG a
submission about the case for retrospection; future venues / hosts.
AOB – Members felt that Jan Pond of HMRC should be invited back to CPG to talk about Customs Debt, and that a talk by an AEO-approved business would be of interest. Finally it was suggested that in 2011 consideration should be given to a Summer CPG event.
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Thursday 09 September 2010
Speaker: Kerrie Spendiff, Deputy Director, HMRC Excise Customs & Operational Policy & Processes
Venue: Civil Service Club, 13/15 Great Scotland Yard, London. SW1A 2HJ
Kerrie gave an extremely interesting and frank talk on “The View from the Top” in HMRC Customs Directorate. In particular, she covered current major issues relating to Europe (incl. MCCIP) and the Rest of the World (esp. China), HMRC organisation, ITFC (International Trade Facilitation Committee), SITPRO and Single Window. The presentation was very well received and stimulated many questions.
Other matters discussed included:
• Feedback on meetings attended – Barbara attended a meeting with Customs on “Customer Charter Standards” and related proposals. CPG are to contribute further with written feedback.
• CIP 10(51) AEO Additional criterion for AEOC / AEOF. There were strong views expressed by members present and CPG will also provide a response to HMRC on this subject.
• The Agenda item on ITA was carried forward to the next meeting, due to lack of time, plus the fact that further information may be available by that time.
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Thursday 08 July 2010
Speaker:
Venue:
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Thursday 13 May 2010
Speaker: Mr Paul Robins, HMRC, Customs, Southend
Venue: Hassan Khan Solicitors, 48/49 Russell
Square, London, WC18 4JY
Paul delivered an
authoritative and interesting presentation on Reform of the GSP Rules of
Origin. In particular, he covered the
main changes in some detail, the timetable for change and the Commission’s
Consultation after 2011. His lively presentation prompted many questions and considerable
discussion. Paul also spoke about the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Other matters discussed during the meeting included:
• Five new members were welcomed – Julian Balson, Margaret Chadwick, Chris Byrne, Rob Jenkins and Stuart Irwin.
• Feedback on meetings attended – see deals on CPG web site.
• MCCIP, now a
standing item. Peter Starling, HMRC will attend the next Members’ Meeting.
• MCCIP, NRDC backlogs at Dover (approval) & Cumbernauld (payment)..
• Customs. Charter Service Standards – new draft from HMRC received 13 May 2010.
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Thursday 11 March 2010
Speaker: Colin Davis
Venue: Grant Thornton, 30 Finsbury Square, London EC2P 2YU
Colin Davis of HMRC Policy gave a presentation on Special Procedures in the MCC, how the legislation is being developed in Brussels and what this may mean for importers in the EU. There were many questions for Colin and members agreed that his talk was very informative and most helpful. Colin, assisted by Jeremy White, also discussed the Terex ECJ case. Colin also asked for feedback on how traders were finding the new UK central processing office for CPEI authorisations and assurance.
Further matters discussed were guarantees in the MCC, CFSP re-authorisations and royalties in the MCC.
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Thursday 14 January 2010
Speaker:
Venue:
Meeting cancelled due to bad weather conditions
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Meetings in 2009
Thursday 12
November 2009 - AGM
Speaker: no speaker – open forum
Venue: Laytons, 50 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0LS
At the AGM the Chairman’s Report was presented by Barbara Scott, and the Accounts (including the Budget for 2010) were presented by Mike Hodge. All were adopted at the meeting.
Paul Ellis retired from CPG Council by rotation, and was re-elected. Michael Galloway was elected to fill the remaining Council vacancy.
The Open Forum covered a wide range of agenda and other topics including the Customs Charter, re-write of CEMA, Withdrawal of Earlier Sale for Export, CIP(09)61 IPR authorisation changes, NCTS and the CPG website.
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Thursday 10 September 2009
Speaker: David Hesketh, HMRC
Venue: Civil Service Club, London, SW1
David presented an informative and detailed insight into the Customs Blueprint document draft version 10, 15/6/09. CPG Chair had recently provided a written summary of feedback from members on the draft, in a letter dated 17 July 2009. The HMRC future vision was presented as radical, an impression not readily recognised by some readers. David explained that HMRC will not have, in future, the present level of resources and will be unable to operate as it does now. The vision outlined would rely on the use of existing levels of commercial data, without additions, and an EU central clearance system.
Other matters
discussed included:
· New members welcomed to CPG – Mr. Albert Bernard, Manager, Customs Compliance, Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Mr. Steve Hudson, ITC Manager, GE Healthcare. Both members joined 03/09/09.
· A formal vote was held on the proposed Disciplinary amendment to CPG Constitution. The outcome was: 13 members present, all of whom voted in favour; 8 members’ proxy received, 7 of whom were in favour. Proposal was carried, 20 votes in favour, 1 against.
· Feedback on meetings attended – only one meeting that of ITOSWG, attended by Brian McLaughlin, minutes will be on CPG web site.
· CPG Council vacancy – nominations were invited for vote at AGM in November.
· CPG web site – mini-review / refresh under way – thoughts / contributions welcomed from members.
· AOB – Mike Hodge suggested Council consider a visit by CPG to Dover Repayment Unit
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Thursday 09 July 2009
Speaker: Kevin Franklin, Director, Border Transformation Group, UKBA, who will provide an update on the activities of the UK Border Agency.
Venue: Baker & McKenzie, 100 New Bridge Street, London EC4M 6JA
Kevin gave a lively and informative update on the development of UKBA. In particular he covered the progress being achieved on the merger of Customs (incl. anti-smuggling, P&Rs and physical interventions) and Immigration (incl. Visas). His presentation stimulated many questions, and members were pleased to note the Agency’s ongoing work in developing Service Level Agreements with port / airport operators.
Other matters discussed included:
· Proposed amendment to Constitution.
· Feedback on meetings attended – main JCCC and Import / Export Sub-Group.
· Draft Blueprint Version 10 (JCCC) 15.6.09 – broadly welcomed, but perhaps lacking in detail and little recognition of trade costs.
· Proposed inclusion in FA 09 of penalties upon Senior Accounting Officers in “large” companies – more info will be available on CPG website shortly.
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Thursday 14 May 2009
Speaker: Peter Starling, HMRC, EU Cross Cutting Group
Venue: Hassan Khan Solicitors, 48/49 Russell Square, London, WC18 4JY
Peter gave an excellent presentation on the major aspects of the Modernised Customs Code Implementing Provisions. Although still in preliminary draft, the latest document gives us an insight into what the actual proposals will look like and what may be achieved in the new legislation.
Other matters discussed included various IPR issues, obtaining BTIs for overseas companies and the Public Accounts Committee meeting on the NAO report on HMRC’s control and facilitation of imports.
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Thursday 12 March 2009
Speaker: Jarad Collard of Collard & Co Ltd
Venue: The Civil Service Club, London, SW1
Jarad Collard is an adviser on AEO Security and Safety. His presentation covered the reasons for AEO security measures, what can be expected of an AEO applicant company and how HMRC will audit the trader. With some intriguing visuals, his talk led to many questions on the issue of AEO safety measures.
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Thursday 08 January 2009
Speaker: Kevin Franklin, Head of the Border Force Agency
Venue: BDO Stoy Hayward, 55 Baker Street, London W1U 7EU
Due to the speaker unfortunately having to cancel attendance only a few days before, this became an Open Forum.
Jeremy White gave an interesting summary of the issues that have been referred to the ECJ in cases 430/08 and 431/08 (use of wrong CPC at export).
Other matters discussed included concerns over Customs’ service levels, lack of information from Brussels and civil penalties.
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Meetings in 2008
Thursday 13
November 2008 - AGM
Speaker: Penny Hamilton, Pump Court Chambers
Venue: Holman Fenwick Willan, Friary Court, 65 Crutched Friars, London, EC3N 2AE
Penny gave an interesting overview about appeals referred to the new Tax Tribunal.
At the AGM the Chairman’s Report was presented by Barbara Scott and the Accounts (including Budget for 2009) was presented by Mike Hodge. All were adopted at the meeting.
The proposed amendment to the Constitution was referred back to Council for further consideration.
Graham Jenkins retired from his post as Honorary Secretary and Gary Charles was elected in his place. Barbara Scott and Mike Hodge were re-elected as Chairman and Treasurer, respectively.
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Thursday 11 September 2008
Speaker: Mark Futcher
who is Head of Prohibitions and Restrictions Group Group, HMRC.
Venue: Laytons, Carmelite, 50 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0LS
Mark spoke about the trend to switch some of this policy work to UKBA as well as covering the current situation with Prohibitions and Restrictions, how the process policy works, how they liaise with other Gov Depts, their strategic approach and some of the drivers.
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Thursday 10 July
2008
Speaker: Lynn McNie and Sara Owen from HMRC
Venue: Grant Thornton House, Melton Street, Euston, London, NW1 2EP
There
were two speakers from HMRC on this occasion. Sara outlined the work being
undertaken by the NES Helpdesk (tel:02920 386255 or 386256), which included
SAD H queries. While Lynn covered the move of the TURN Team from Swansea
to their Cardiff office and subsequent revision of procedures.
Paul Ellis updated members on the latest position regarding the Money Laundering Regulations, due to come into force on 1 January 2009. It seemed more likely that customs consultants would have to be registered
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Thursday 08 May 2008
Speaker: Colin Davis from HMRC
Venue: Clifford Chance, London E14
Colin provided an interesting update on AEO applications – numbers received, problems encountered and numbers authorised. Members present discussed the potential benefits, current and future, for AEOs.
Other matters discussed included the need for the continuation of the paper Tariff, Review Team procedures and lack of resources within CIT.
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Thursday 13 March 2008
Speakers: Ian Cremer from HMRC Valuation and Keith Davis from the Treasury
Venue: Baker & McKenzie, 100 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6JA
Ian enlightened members about the wide ranging valuation proposals under consideration by the EU and WTO.
Keith covered the introduction of The Money Laundering Regulations within the UK. He anticipated the activities of members could require registration with HMRC and suggested appropriate action should be taken.
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Thursday 10 January 2008
No speaker – open forum
Venue: Hassan Khan Solicitors, 48/49 Russell Square,
London, WC1B 4JY
During the Open Forum a variety of topics were discussed, including the development of the AEO system, IPR, NCH operations, re-location of the TURN Team, WCO Valuation proposals and location of the Summer Reception.
As usual there was a lively exchange of views and in view of the number of topics covered it was decided Open Forums should be held more frequently.
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Meetings in 2007
Thursday 08 November 2007 (AGM) ....
Thursday 13 September 2007 ....
Thursday
08 March 2007 ....
Thursday
11 January 2007
Thursday 08
November 2007 - AGM
Speaker: Dave Allen of the National Audit Office
Venue: BDO Stoy Hayward, 8 Baker Street, London W1U 3LL
Dave Allen and Daniel Fairhead gave a presentation about their Value For Money Study: The Facilitatation and Control of Imports. There was a useful exchange of views
All of the AGM items were adopted and Mark Corby was elected as a Council Member.
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Thursday 13
September 2007
Speaker: Paul Riley, Head of Alcohol and Tobacco Duties Policy, HM Revenue & Customs.
Venue: Laytons Solicitors, London
Our guest speaker was Paul Riley, Head of Alcohol and Tobacco Duties Policy, HM Revenue & Customs. Paul gave an informed presentation on the current UK and EU strategy for fighting fraud and attempting to simplify and modernise current law and procedures.
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Thursday
12 July 2007
Speaker: Mike Weeding, Senior Adviser, Drugs and Security Border Team, HMR&C,
Venue: Hassan Khan Solicitors, 48/49 Russell Square, London WC1B 4JY
Mike gave a comprehensive presentation covering the role of HMRC in the global trade supply chain and future developments as far as security aspects were concerned.
As usual there was a lively exchange of views.
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Thursday 10
May 2007
Speaker: Kevin Costelloe, Head of Customs Policy & Strategy, HM Revenue & Customs
Venue: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, London
Kevin Costelloe informed the members of current changes within the Department and stimulated a lively discussion on AEOs, trader education and other matters.
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Thursday 08 March
2007
Speaker: Chris Jones, SO of HMRC National Clearance Hub, Salford
Venue: Malmaison Hotel, Manchester
Chris Jones of HMRC's National Clearance Hub in Salford gave a very interesting and honest talk about the trials and tribulations of the new hub and members discussed various issues afterwards.
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Thursday 11 January 2007
Speaker: Doug Tweddle CBE, Director Frontiers & International, HMRC
Venue: Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank Street, London, E14 5JJ
Doug gave an interesting speech about developments since the Customs merger with the Revenue. He indicated that 'electronic' interface between HMRC and the trade will continue to be encouraged and form the basis of compliance.
In future the concept of a 'Single View' will be promoted within HMRC so that traders do not have to contend with a series of visits from the same organisation.
There was insufficient time to discuss the 'Constitution' so this will be covered at a later meeting. In the meantime members are encouraged to input their views to the 'Forum' on the website.
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Meetings in 2006
Thursday 09 November 2006 (AGM) ....
Thursday 14 September 2006 ....
Thursday 11 May 2006 ....
Thursday 09 November 2006
Speaker: Graham Brown - Manager, HMRC, Frontiers and International Trade
Baker & McKenzie, 100 New
Graham gave an interesting talk about the introduction of
the Authorised Economic Operators scheme, possibly on
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Thursday
14 September 2006
Speaker: no speaker
BDO Stoy Hayward LLP,
Several members gave details of meetings attended and there was a lively discussion about the Reviews and Appeals process, AEOs, PAPD, etc.
Members were reminded that the old password system for the Members Forum had been 'switched-off' and only valid individual passwords could now be used on the website.
During the meeting the Chair presented Adam Taylor with a
trophy as winner of the
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Thursday 13
July 2006
Speaker: Paul Robbins – Manager, Frontiers Customer Unit, Imports/Exports Team, HMR&C
Grant Thornton, 8th Floor, Grant Thornton
House,
Our guest speaker for the evening was Paul Robbins, a Senior Manager within HMR&C Policy Division responsible for GSP. Paul gave an excellent presentation on the proposed new EC rules for GSP origin goods. The changes, which have yet to be approved by the Commission and presented in a formal proposal, are far reaching and will impact substantially on GSP exporters as well as EU importers.
There was also a brief discussion on the latest amendments to the Community Customs Code.
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Thursday 11 May 2006
Speaker: Tim Cornell – National Functional Manager of the ITDLO network, HMR&C
Tim gave an interesting speech' about developments in the International
Trade sector. He covered TEEL (Trader Education, Enabling and Leverage) which
is the latest concept to be introduced by HMRC and other business related
topics.
He anticipated a 'Single Window' website covering most aspects of International Trade would be available from November 2006.
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Thursday 09
March 2006
Speaker: Laura Pellington, HMR&C
Laytons Solicitors, Carmelite, 50
Laura Pellington is a member of the EPU Modernisation
Project Team and came to speak to members about the latest plans for the single
There was also a presentation by
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Thursday
12 January 2006
Speaker: Karen Rourke – Head of Review and Appeals Team, HMR&C
Clifford Chance,
There was a lively exchange of views between Karen and Members
about the role of her team. Also discussed was the handling of
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Meetings in 2005
Thursday 10 November 2005 (AGM)
Thursday_12_May_2005 ....
Thursday 10 November 2005 - AGM
Speaker: David Varney, Chairman of HMR&C
Hammonds, London EC2
Our guest speaker was David Varney, Chairman of HM Revenue & Customs and he was accompanied by Kevin Franklin who is the recently appointed Head of Frontiers. David gave a presentation on the newly formed HMR&C and how he envisaged the two old Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise Departments would integrate. David took questions from the floor and specific questions on Customs operations in the new Department were referred to Kevin Franklin.
The formal business of the AGM followed. The Chairman’s Report and the Accounts were presented. Hassan Khan stood down from his post as Secretary and Graham Jenkins was elected in his place. Barbara Scott stood down as Treasurer and Mike Hodge was elected in her place. Mike Hodge retired as CPG Chairman and Barbara Scott was elected as Chairman.
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Thursday
08 September 2005
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
The guest speaker was Colin Davis of HMRC who gave a very helpful and informative presentation covering the latest issues on the proposed Modernised Customs Code, the security amendments to the current Customs Code and the IPR problem of wrong CPCs being declared at export. Mr. Davis answered many difficult questions from the floor!
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Thursday
14 July 2005
This meeting has been cancelled.
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Thursday 12 May 2005
Speaker: no speaker
Clifford Chance
The main focus of the meeting was a very informative
presentation by one of our members, Phil Challen of GE International Inc., on
the Customs Code Seminar that took place in
The meeting was well attended and there was a lively discussion about various aspects of the proposed Modernised Code.
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Thursday 10 March 2005
Speaker: David Rowe Francis, Senior Money Laundering Advisor to the Law Society
Hassan Khan Solicitors
10 Old Bailey,
David Rowe Francis gave an excellent summary of the Money Laundering Regulations and how they affect professional advisors.
There was a preview of matters to be discussed at the JCCC meeting the following week, an update on the Customs Code Rewrite and the affect of the Commission’s decision in the Weir Pumps remissions case.
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Thursday 13 January 2005
Speaker: Martin Peach, Director of Detection, HM Customs & Excise
Chiltern plc
Martin Peach, an ex-chairman of the Joint Customs
Consultative Committee (JCCC) and now in charge of the part of the Department
that finds and destroys illicit goods, spoke to members about the changing face
of the frontier following 9/11. The three agencies, Customs, Immigration and
Special Branch, are working together to enhance border security but also want
to eliminate multiple border controls. There are a number of new initiatives
under way, including the change, from
The Chairman then provided an update on the JCCC meeting held in December 2004, which led to a number of discussions on consultation, including the Customs Code rewrite.
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Meetings
in 2004
Thursday 11 November 2004 (AGM)
|
AGM |
SITPRO |
|
1) AGM - Financial Report - Chairman’s Report - Graham Jenkins re-elected as
Council Member 2) No Speaker – open forum Matters
Discussed - Binding Tariff Rulings and
other tariff classification issues - Re-write of Customs Code and
CPG input |
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Guest
Speaker: Lesley Deeks, HM Customs
& Excise |
Laytons Carmelite, 50 |
|
Lesley Deeks from Customs and International Trade Policy, gave a very
useful and informative presentation on the proposed security changes to the
current Customs Code and the latest proposals for the new Community Customs
Code. These proposals will have a
significant affect on traders (and customs authorities) throughout the
Community. This is a fantastic
opportunity for business to mould the EU customs legislation of the future. Other matters discussed included the current problems with NCTS and the
HMC&E website. |
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Guest
Speaker: Alistair Bridgeman, HM
Customs & Excise |
|
Irwin Mitchell 150 Holborn, |
|
Alistair Bridgeman,
Deputy Head of Customs and International Trade Operations, gave an
interesting presentation on the roles and responsibilities of Customs
Headquarters and the challenges ahead: new Code, SAD harmonisation, E-Vision
and the merger with the Inland Revenue. Gordon Cragge
also gave a presentation on the commercial awareness seminars that have been
run for the Customs Department. |
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Guest
Speakers: Stephen Oliver QC, Chairman
of the VAT & Duties Tribunals AND Theodore Wallace,Tribunal Chairman |
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Clifford Chance |
|
Our guest
speakers were His Honour Stephen Oliver QC, the President of the VAT and Duties
Tribunals and Theodore Wallace who is a full time chairman of the VAT and
Duties Tribunal. Mr Oliver
opened the meeting by informing members that it was 10 years since the
Tribunal Service had been open to hearing duty cases – and there had been
only 185 decisions! There was much
discussion as to why more cases had not been taken to the Tribunal and most
of the meeting was taken up with this lively debate which also encompassed a
proposal by SITPRO to set up a task force to look at the costs to business of
the review and appeals process. The demise of
HM Customs & Excise – to become HM Revenue & Customs from |
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Guest Speaker: |
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Our guest
speaker was unable to attend and there had been insufficient time to arrange
another official speaker. It was
therefore a good opportunity for members to take the floor. 1.
Brian McLaughlin gave a
presentation on Autelligence. 2.
Georg Eder spoke about life
as a German Customs consultant. 3.
Phil Challen discussed the
money laundering regulations introduced in the 4.
Ernest Grayston reported on
NCTS. 5.
There was a discussion on
Tribunal procedures led by Jeremy White. 6.
Paul Ellis reported on the
Tariff User Group. 7.
Mike Hodge gave a briefing on
the previous day’s JCCC meeting. |
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|
Guest Speaker:
Chris Tailby, Director Tax Practice HMC&E |
BDO Stoy
Hayward |
|
Chris Tailby had
joined HM Customs & Excise (again) from PwC in 2002. At PwC, Chris had been a VAT partner and
his main focus to date in HM Customs & Excise had been in respect of
VAT. Chris discussed the organisation
of UK Customs and explained that, at present, there were various reviews of
its operations and organisation. He
talked about the legal and technical training given to staff and we discussed
the differences between the VAT and Customs & International Trade Departments
and the reasons for those differences. Members then
had brief reports from meetings with Customs at which the CPG had been
represented: ·Blueprint Service
Options Working Group ·NCTS ·Tariff User Group ·Small Business Unit There was also
a discussion on the new UK Civil Penalty Regime, which was introduced on |
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Meetings
in 2003:
Thursday 12 November 2003 (AGM)
|
AGM Guest Speaker Bob Eagle of Customs (assisted
by Guy Westhead) |
Baker Tilly |
|
The guest speaker was Bob Eagle of Customs (assisted by Guy
Westhead). Bob gave a presentation on Customs International
Trade/Strategic Overview of Progress towards the Blueprint and answered
several questions from members. Hassan Kahn gave an update on the Customs Civil Penalties
legislation and Andrew Hart reported back from the latest JCCC meeting.
Malcolm Grant gave an overview of the Service Options Working Group, which
is part of the Blueprint Project. At the AGM Mike Hodge, Barbara Scott and Paul Ellis were re-elected
for another term of office. |
|
Guest Speaker Mark
Hughes, Project Manager, Customs & International Trade Policy |
Laytons Carmelite, 50 |
|
Mark Hughes of
HM Customs & Excise attended this meeting to discuss EU Enlargement in
2004 and the transitional Customs measures that are to apply. He presented a Commission working paper and
there was a debate about many issues relating to the ten new Member States
that are to join the EU on Other issues
discussed at the meeting included the new UK VAT Accounting Procedure known
as SIVA and the methodologies adopted by Customs Tariff Classification review
officers. |
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Guest Speaker
Alan Froy from C&E’s Tariff Classification Division |
Baker &
McKenzie 100 New |
|
Our speakers
were Alan Froy, head of the UK Tariff Classification Service, and Steve
Gaikward, the Alan and Steve
discussed many interesting issues including the procedures of the EU
Nomenclature Committees, the difficulties to be overcome with EU Enlargement,
the EU BTI database, revocation of BTIs and independent Customs reviews of
BTIs. Other issues
debated this evening were: - - EPU Modernisation - the
centralisation of a number of Customs activities. - EU Enlargement. - SIVA - Simplified import VAT
accounting. |
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Guest Speaker
John Overton - WTO Unit of the Trade Policy Directorate at DTI |
Baker Tilly |
|
Our guest
speaker was John Overton from the WTO Unit of the Trade Policy Directorate at
the Department of Trade and Industry. John gave an
informative talk about the WTO Dispute Settlement Body and the current trade
disputes between the Other general
matters were discussed at the meeting including the demise of DAVIS, the JCCC
and the handling of duty remission cases. |
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Clifford Chance |
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1. |
New Members Only one potential member, Martyn Fiddler. |
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2. |
Matters Arising No response to letters sent to Gordon Brown, etc about |
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3. |
Topics for Discussion There was no guest speaker but the usual lively discussion on a number
of issues, including, - Hassan Khan
gave short presentation about the implementation of Civil Penalties in the
Customs area. The 'James Robinson Fibres' case was mentioned and it was
decided to put details on the website. - Paul Ellis
spoke about the operations of the Tariff User Group. There was a need to
up-date the Contacts List of Customs personnel attending various meetings.
Also, it would be useful to get Alan Froy to speak at a future CPG meeting. - Graham Jenkins
gave a short update on EPU Modernisation, indicating many
issues still need resolving with the trade. In his view
another meeting should be arranged with Customs, in the near future. - Ernest
Grayston gave an update on NCTS. He gave a summary of the current
state of play and stated only e-mail routes would be allowed for the
transmission of data. It was hoped the system would be fully electronic by
June 2005. He felt it would eventually be a better system than the current CT
arrangements. - In Phil
Challen's absence The Chairman read a note of Phil's observations about
the 'new' Customs website. He felt the website was most useful and
informative. There were some shortcomings, mainly relating to the poor
'Search' facility but members were encouraged to use the site more frequently.
The current site would probably close on |
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4. |
Any Other
Business There were references to, - CTPAT - Members advised
to contact Sarah Wolstenhome, Customs (0208654761) for details. - Pre-audit
Questionnaire - being issued by Customs to traders in
Hertfordshire. Also in - JCCC
Meeting on 19/3/03 - Details of items on the agenda were discussed.
It appears there are no plans to disband the JCCC, at the moment. |
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Guest Speaker -
John Healey MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury |
Irwin Mitchell 150 Holborn, |
|
John Healey MP,
the Government Minister responsible for HM Customs & Excise, attended
this meeting to give a presentation to CPG members and answer questions from
the floor. Issues covered included
consultation, Customs modernisation, the risks to both HMC&E and
compliant business of fraudulent and incompetent traders and the future
enlargement of the EU. It is hoped
that this meeting will set the scene for more regular dialogue between the
Minister and the CPG. |
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Meetings
in 2002:
|
AGM - Guest
speaker |
BDO Stoy
Hayward |
|
Maurice
Kingdon, Head of International Trade Operations, HMC&E, gave an
interesting and informed presentation on the key business aims of the
operational side of the organisation.
He talked about some of the changes that were affecting traders, such
as |
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Baker & McKenzie 100 New Bridge
St, London EC4 |
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There was no
guest speaker at this meeting but there was plenty of lively discussion of a
number of topics, including: |
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Deferred Accounting
for VAT at Import Scheme (DAVIS) - the new procedure which is due to be
introduced in 2003. |
|
- |
National Advice
Service - results of members survey. |
|
- |
Customs appeals
process - affects of the recent Mahindra Dave CA judgement. |
|
- |
Civil penalties
- the introduction of which has been further delayed. |
A special thank
you was extended to Baker & McKenzie, Andrew Hart and Denise Peeney for the
support they have given to the CPG.
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|
|
Hammond
Suddards |
Mr Guy Westhead
of HMC&E Headquarters was to make a presentation on the recently announced
plans for further modernisation of customs facilities and procedures called
Blueprint. Being unable to attend through
illness the presentation was made through his colleague Mr Joe O’Connor. The aspirations described by Mr O’Connor for
improved facilitation as well as improved compliance led to a lively discussion
with members.
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|
Andersen 180 |
The speaker was
Tim Cornell of HMC&E who gave a presentation on the role of ITDLOs -
International Trade Development Liaison Officers. These Officers are responsible for
promoting new developments to trade, business organisations and to Customs
staff. They publicise, advise,
facilitate and market new systems and procedures , such as CFSP, the new
electronic export system, paperless entries, single European authorisations,
and the soon to be launched Blueprint.
The presentation was followed by some interesting questions and
discussions.
Andrew Hart, CPG
Secretary, reported on matters discussed at the last JCCC meeting in March, including
Trade concerns about implementation of the New Export System, successful
tradeside representations on improving Customs restoration fees policy on heavy
goods vehicles seized when found for involvement with alcohol and tobacco
smuggling, a presentation of the then draft Customs Blueprint for the future
customs environment. These and other JCCC matters sparked some lively
discussion and suggestions that will be promoted for consideration by HM
Customs.
Members were
asked to note two important dates in their diaries: at the
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|
Dechert 2 Serjeant’s |
The guest speaker
at the meeting was Lawrence Kormornick of Decherts on claiming compensation
from Government Departments.
There was a short
presentation by Jamie Gibbs of Deloitte Touche on the Mahindra Dave Tribunal
case. It is understood that Customs will
be appealing the case in the High Court.
There was also a
report from Jeremy White who had represented the CPG at a meeting of the
Tribunal Users Group. The draft
Framework for Tribunals is on the Members Forum for comment. The CPG will also be considering the Tax
Appeal Review Project.
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|
KPMG
|
The guest speaker was David Garlick, HM Customs & Excise Regional
Manager for the Central UK Area. David
is one of only 7 managers that now undertake the roles previously carried out
by Collectors - and much more. He explained
how Customs was being reorganised and professionalised by the new Chairman,
Richard Broadbent. He also highlighted
the major problems of excise fraud and the tougher line being taken on the
control of excise warehouses and the transit system. David also warned that a whole new way of
controlling imports was being adopted and this would be based on risk analysis
of traders and products.
The meeting was
well attended and there were many questions for the guest speaker. Other matters briefly discussed were the CPG
Reception on 5 December, the JCCC meeting in December and the upcoming meeting
of the JCCC Civil Penalties Sub-Group.
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Meetings
in 2001:
|
Deloitte &
Touche
|
The Annual General Meeting was preceded by an informative and highly
amusing presentation by Barry McKay, ex HM Customs & Excise Solicitor’s
Office, on his specialist subject, exotic birds.
The AGM included the re-election of Andrew Hart as Secretary and the election
of Graham Jenkins to the Council.
There were presentations by members on the current issues of “The Customs
Blueprint” and the “New Export System”.
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|
Clifford Chance |
The meeting took place at the office of
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|
Baker &
McKenzie 100 New |
The meeting took place at the office of
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|
Ernst &
Young Beckett House, 1 Lambeth |
Summary of Meeting:
|
1 |
Chairman thanked members for their kind words following the death of
our previous Chairman, Bernard Field. A cheque for £250 has been sent by the
CPG to the British Heart Foundation. |
|
2 |
There was a very open and informative talk given by Ian Cremer of HM
Customs and Excise on current issues under discussion in EU and WCO affecting
Customs valuation. Ian was supported by Jane La Roche. |
|
3 |
A number of current issues were discussed, including: |
|
|
Item 5 from JCCC meeting 21.03.01 |
|
|
Lack of JCCC consultation on HMC Direct (EG to draft letter) |
|
|
Customs Notice reviews - reviewers to put 5 main points on the website |
|
|
Commission intention to abolish BTIs |
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|
Dechert 2 Serjeant's |
Summary of Meeting:
|
1 |
Presentation by Andy Jamieson from Department of Trade & Industry
on anti-dumping duty |
|
2 |
Discussion on the new National Advice Centres. All members are
requested to monitor the success (or otherwise) of these and send feedback to
the Council, either by fax or phone or email to any Council member, or to the
Members Forum. |
|
3 |
New Export System update. |
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|
|
Summary of Meeting:
|
1 |
Presentation by Mike Holden and Bill Hudson from Customs & Excise
on Guarantees and other Transit Changes. |
|
2 |
Report on main topics of latest JCCC meeting, covering 6 selected
aspects. |
|
3 |
Report from meeting two days previously on Customs Procedures with
Economic Impact, covering 9 points selected as being of special interest to
those present. |
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Meetings
in 2000
Our last meeting in 2000 was on
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