Authorised Consignor / Consignee status – the smart way to expedite cross-border transportation
With so many uncertainties still surrounding post-Brexit trading regulations, it’s good to know there are measures available to UK businesses that will streamline the cross-border transport of goods beyond 31st December this year.
One thing we do know is that regardless of the eventual outcome of the EU exit negotiations, the UK will remain a member of the Common Transit Convention (CTC) – a customs procedure that’s available to businesses, enabling them to move goods across borders or territories without paying customs import duties until they arrive at their final destination.
Not only does this deliver cash-flow benefits, it also helps transport goods across the border without delay at the point of importation into the UK, and when exporting from the UK.
Businesses which transport cargo across several borders can expedite this process even further by applying for certain customs simplifications, including authorised consignee and/or consignor status. If you’re regularly moving goods using Transit, you can apply for authorised consignor or consignee status. This will allow you to start (authorised consignor) or end (authorised consignee) transit at your own premises rather than at a customs office, saving a great deal of time and inevitably costs.
If approved, this status effectively puts the business in the place of the customs authorities as either the Office of Destination or Departure. You can apply for both authorised consignor and consignee status. You should bear in mind that in order to be eligible to apply for either or both of these authorisations, you will need to demonstrate a good standard of business practice.
With either or both of these authorisations in place, you’ll be in a position to take advantage of quicker and more efficient import and export transactions, regardless of how the cross-border trading landscape looks after 31st December this year.
If you feel your business could benefit from these authorisations, let’s have a chat. Whether it’s taking a look at your systems to ensure they achieve the required standards, or supporting you through the application process, our team of specialist customs consultants is on hand to help.
Photos by: Grant Anderson – www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme
