Port News

 

Port of Rotterdam

24 hours strike at Rotterdam will half their container operation from today. The reason for the stopped is the possible job losses at the port.  It is worth noting there are five other 24 hour strikes in the pipeline.

Port of Liverpool

The Liverpool2 contianer terminal is behind schedule for operatoin as it was due to open at the end of 2015 which is now estimated arouind March/April 2016

Trade News

 

EU is to invest in £750,000.00 in regions along its external borders

This will support social and economic development in the regions on both sides of the EU''s borders

November 2015 v November 2014

European Commission - EUROSTAT Brussels, 7 January 2016 In November 2015 compared with October 2015, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 0.3% in the euro area (EA19), while it rose by 0.2% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union

Transport News

 

Penalty Points Doubled for Driver Phone Use

THE FREIGHT Transport Association says the recent range of measures set out by the government to improve road safety, which include commitments and actions aimed at all road users, should further improve the UK’s road safety record

Trailblazer Training Must Lead to LGV Licence Qcquisition

LAST MONTH the RHA held what chief executive Richard Burnett described as a ‘challenging but positive meeting’ with Skills Minister Nick Boles MP to press the case for more action to solve the chronic LGV driver shortage. The meeting was held at the Department of Business Innovation and Skills

Further Bridge Closure A Huge Blow

Delays are expected once again affecting the Forth Bridge Road which is now to remain closed to HGV traffic until well in to February.

The First Minister offered reassurance that the bridge would re-open to all vehicles on 4 January so this was a devastating blo. The additional costs incurred by the 50 mile diversion are significant, especially when contracts have already been signed and there is no opportunity to recoup the money.’

RHA Scotland did however welcome proposals arising from a meeting with Scottish Minister for Infrastructure, Keith Brown, whereby Transport Scotland was to set up a haulier’s hotline, enabling drivers and their managers to be alerted to any incidents occurring on the temporary replacement trunk road network so that they can be quickly resolved.

Friday 5 - AEO

Friday Five

This is the first of our Friday 5 series giving short five-point updates on key subjects in international trade.

What is AEO?

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) comes into force on 1^st May 2016.  It is an international standard that businesses can obtain through an audit-based accreditation process.  Importers, exporters, forwarders and carriers are affected.  Those who do not obtain AEO are going to find themselves at a serious disadvantage to their competitors.

1: 70% reduction in a business’s deferment account guarantee

To obtain a credit deferment account you must secure assets or cash against the credit required. A 70% reduction can be obtained for approved operators.

2: Comprehensive guarantees and guarantee waivers

Currently a duty guarantee is not compulsory for all bonded movements in the UK. Under the UCC, any movement of uncleared goods must be guaranteed. A reduction or waiver will allow businesses to only have to guarantee 100% of the potential duty. Those without AEO will have to guarantee 200% of the potential duty. This benefits cash flow for businesses with AEO. A comprehensive guarantee allows for the one declaration to customs to cover all movements of cargo within the Union.

3: Priority treatment

Consignments which have been pulled for examination will be accelerated through the process for businesses with AEO. This trust also extends through fewer physical and document-based checks.

4: Centralised clearance

This is the ability for a company with operations throughout Europe to be able to declare all customs transactions occurring to the customs office of one EU Member State. This will then grant clearance to goods no matter which Member State the cargo entered or exited. This is currently known as SASP (Single Authorisation for a Simplified Procedure). 

5: Choice of inspection location

Cargo can be moved off-quay, under bond, to limit quay rent charges. 

For a copy of our full AEO benefits factsheet request it now via email info@felixstowe-ac.co.uk