TSA comments on the next phase of negotiations with the EU

As the UK enters the next phase of negotiations with the EU about the future relationship, Peter Davidson, Executive Director of the Tank Storage Association, said: “As we look to the future and set out to forge a new relationship with the EU and the rest of the world, we stand ready to work with government to ensure that the bulk liquid storage sector continues to thrive into the future. A collaborative approach and partnership will be key in getting the next steps right and in making the most of new opportunities.”

The Tank Storage Association has highlighted several areas with the UK Government where detailed discussion and analysis is required, including:

• the need to implement the revised Union Customs Code (UCC) and, if implementation is required, its interpretation and application
• clarity of processes – it is critical to understand what will be in place once access to the Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) has been lost. The Customs Handling Import Export Freight (CHIEF) system is scheduled to be replaced by the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
• ensuring administrative burden is kept to a minimum (and even reduced) relating to the handling of import and export transactions (for example, declarations)
• ensuring there are no delays at border crossings caused by the need to process declarations
• duties and duty collection by HMRC are efficient and transparent
• changes that may affect cash flow (for example, duty deferments), that may have a significant impact on the cost of business for importers and exporters operating in the UK, are kept to a minimum
• clarity on replacement for REACH

TSA also recognises that freedom to negotiate the UK’s own trade deals may introduce opportunities for business, for example:

• to end tariffs on bulk liquid imports from outside the EU (where those tariffs are currently in place)
• the potential to align systems and speed up related processes to account for customs duty like that currently in place for excise, i.e. via a scheduling process with relevant customs duties paid on delivery from warehouse rather than upon receipt
• a simplified customs declaration process utilising technical solutions (and potentially mirroring EMCS) that can be applied to all imports and exports
• potential to grow Generalised Scheme of tariff Preferences (GSP) partners to assist in country development and encourage tariff free movement of essential goods into the UK

Ends

Notes to editors

The Tank Storage Association (TSA) represents the interests of over 60 member companies engaged in the storage of bulk liquids and the provision of products and services to the sector. Collectively, its members operate over 290 terminals and distribution hubs in the UK and have over 8 million cubic metres of storage capacity in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI). TSA’s members provide and support an essential interface between sea, road, rail and pipeline logistics for many different substances including transport and heating fuels, chemicals, animal feed and foodstuffs.

Media enquiries

Nunzia Florio, Communications Specialist: T. +44 (0)7903 388584 – Email communications@tankstorage.org.uk