Kewill and e-customs prepare customers for the new EMCS

Monday, 08 February 2010

KEWILL, a leading provider of solutions that simplify global trade and logistics activities, has teamed up with e-customs, the major UK web-based customs clearance provider, to prepare its customers for the impact of the new Excise Movement Control System (EMCS) in the UK.

EMCS, which comes into effect in April, represents a major change to the existing procedures. Paper-based controls are currently used to govern the movement of excised goods such as alcohol, tobacco products and mineral oils within the European Union, and to ensure the correct level of excise is paid in the country of consumption.

EMCS is a computerised system for monitoring movements of excise goods under suspension of excise duty within the EU.

Kewill and e-customs have reported an apparent lack of clarity amongst UK businesses on how EMCS will affect them and the changes they need to put in place.

Alun Davies, managing director of e-customs, said: “This is a wide-sweeping change that will affect all traders moving excisable goods within the European Union. If your business is importing wine from Italy or Spain, or moving tobacco products from the UK to Germany then this will affect you. However, if you are moving goods within the same country you could also be affected.

“We advise all companies trading in excised goods to seek expert advice to ensure they know how and when the changes will be implemented and avoid being caught out.”