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New alcohol rules a sobering thought, says Langdon

[ October 5, 2015   //   ]

New UK and EU laws will tighten the business-to-business sale of alcoholic beverages, points out IT specialist Langdon Systems. HM Revenue & Customs’ Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme comes into full effect from April 2017 and the EU’s new Union Customs Code (UCC) is being rolled out next year to standardise the movement of trade across member states.
Businesses should review their obligations, even with companies who would not consider themselves to be wholesale, while those importing or exporting alcohol will also need to comply with the EU’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme from 1 May 2016 or face delays in the release of goods as well as severe sanctions, says Langdon.
And there could be further legislation to tighten controls on the sale of alcohol in the pipeline, says Langdon adding: “It’s paramount that businesses have the IT solution that enables them to be fully compliant with the regulations that apply if they are not to be exposed to operational restraints, potential fraud, financial penalties or even legal action.”
Langdon Systems’ Customs Manager, Dave Bradbury, said: “We’re working with high profile retailers and distributors of alcohol products to ensure that they are compliant with the new measures. We supply comprehensive and robust software solutions which interface with any warehouse IT system, giving assurance to the user that they have full Customs compliance.
“However, even if you have Excise Duty sorted out, the new UCC from 1 May 2016 could upset the applecart for companies dealing with imported goods from outside the EU. Langdon Systems’ software can do all the legwork, such as the returns and reporting to other member states for checking recipients and guarantees for the movement of goods.”
Those that fail to adhere to the AEO standard will be subject to Mandatory Guarantees to operate Customs Procedures and must submit prior notification of release of goods. A dwell time will be imposed and goods may not be removed until it has expired otherwise penalties will apply.
Langdon Systems provides a dedicated service for achieving AEO (C) status for businesses in the UK and other EU Member States

 

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