Page 12 - Port of Hamburg Magazine 03.2019

■ HAMBURG’S MARKETS
INSPECTING GOODS FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
Imports, exports and Co. – Changes at customs
12 | Port of Hamburg Magazine | September 2019
The customs landscape is changing, and not solely due to the looming Brexit. Joanna Porath, Business Development Manager for customs specialists Porath Customs Agents, explains the repercussions of altered import and export regulations, new rules and punitive tariffs will have for business and what could potentialy ensue.
Just now it looks as if the United Kingdom will no longer be a member of the Customs Union after 31 October 2019 – with all the advantages and disad- vantages. In future the lack of free movement for goods – without a customs tariff in the form of TARIC – will lead to fresh challenges at borders. Daily checks of documents and customs will be re-introduced, and likewise phytopathological and veterinary checks. Nor will areas such as patents, li- cences, trademarks and copyright remain unaffect- ed. Products themselves will require fresh market clearance, since EU standards will no longer apply in the United Kingdom.
The European Council agreed on a date of resigna- tion of 31 October 2019 at the latest. However, with- drawal may take place earlier or, according to the current situation, later if an agreement is reached. In
any case, the transport and logistics sector will then have a lot to do in setting up the new post-Brexit logistics chain. Resistance from Scotland and Wales is also making itself felt – these two countries wish to remain in the EU single market.
THE CUSTOMS MARKET IRRESPECTIVE
OF BREXIT
The United Kingdom is not the only challenge. The market is in a phase of unrelenting change – from foreign trade control methods, such as anti-dump- ing measures and customs quotas, to new bilateral agreements that simplify and favour cooperation between countries.
Among the first group are all conceivable forms of customs: To support specific developing countries, concessions on imported quantities, or import totals
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